The Emir of Gwoza in Gwoza local government area of Borno State, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, on Friday, Disclosed that the most wanted commander of Boko Haram terrorists, Mallam Yathabalwe, who had been terrorising Gwoza and the surrounding Mandara Mountain communities, has surrendered to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai.
This is coming as a huge relief because Yathabalwe has been causing lot of chaos in the Gwoza area, especially in the nearby Mandara Mountain communities.
The Emir said “We are happy to confirm and inform you that the most wanted top Commander of Boko Haram who had been terrorising Gwoza and other surrounding Mandara Mountain communities in my domain, Mallam Yathabalwe, has surrendered to troops of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ in the North-East.”
The Emir explained that Yathabalwe had been responsible for many attacks and killings in the region, including attacking and killing farmers while they worked on their land.
“Yathabalwe, before surrendering, has been terrorising my people for many years, especially making it very difficult for farmers to access their farmlands. With this new development, we are hopeful that total peace will return to Gwoza and its environs.”
The Emir said that Yathabalwe decided to surrender to the Operation Hadin Kai troops, who are working to fight against Boko Haram in the North-East of Nigeria.
Yathabalwe handed over two AK47 rifles and some ammunition when he surrendered. After surrendering, he was taken into the custody of the Nigerian military in Gwoza.
Later, he will be taken to Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State, for further questioning or action.
The Emir expressed hope that with Yathabalwe’s surrender, peace would finally return to Gwoza and the surrounding areas.
Yathabalwe’s surrender is seen as a positive step towards ending the violence and restoring safety and security to the region.
