Borno: Yathabalwe, most wanted Boko Haram commander surrenders

Borno: Yathabalwe, most wanted Boko Haram commander surrenders

The most wanted commander of Boko Haram, Mallam Yathabalwe, who had been terrorising Gwoza and the surrounding Mandara mountain communities, has surrendered to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai.

The Emir of Gwoza in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, disclosed this on Friday to journalists.

“We are happy to confirm and inform you that the most wanted top Commander of Boko Haram who had been terrorizing Gwoza and other surrounding Mandara mountain communities in my domain, Mallam Yathabalwe, has surrendered to troops of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ in the North-East.

“He willingly came out from his enclave on Friday morning with two AK47 rifles and some ammunition. He was then handed over to the troops of the Nigerian military in Gwoza, after which he may be taken to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, for further questioning or action.

“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,” he said.

In a related development, the Nigeria Police Force has arrested eight suspects in connection with the murder of six police officers on a fact finding mission in Ughelli area of Delta on February 23 and 26 this year.

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This is contained in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Saturday in Abuja.

Adejobi said police officers on a fact finding mission were on Feb. 23, 2024 ambushed while others on rescue mission were also ambushed, resulting to the death of six police officers.

Our reporter gathered that the Force had kept quiet over the incident probably not to jeopardize its investigation.

Force spokesperson said the arrests of the suspects followed intensive investigative efforts of police operatives.

According to him, five suspects were initially arrested shortly after the incident while additional three were apprehended at different locations.

He said the arrest of the additional three followed statements and cooperation of the five suspects earlier arrested.

Adejobi said the suspects were currently in police custody, assisting with the ongoing investigation.

He restated Nigeria Police Force avowed commitment to ensure that all those responsible for the murder and other similar crimes were arrested and brought to justice swiftly and decisively.

The police spokesman assured that the suspects would soon be arraigned in court, with credible evidence, once investigations were concluded.

He said the Police were deeply saddened by the heinous act of violence against its officers who were diligently performing their duty to protect and serve the community.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen officers during this difficult time.

“We wish to reiterate that killers of our officers in this extant case and many others, have murdered peace and none of them will go unpunished,” he said.

The officers, who were on duty in Ughelli area of the state, were killed on Feb. 23 and 26, with six others still missing.

Borno: Yathabalwe, most wanted Boko Haram commander surrenders