To Nigeria, where the military says a Boko Haram commander closely linked to the insurgents' leader Abubakar Shekau has surrendered. 47-year old Mallam Ramat Alamin oversaw Boko Haram operations in the Bama area of north-eastern Borneo state. He told the military the insurgents are weakened, and many are keen to surrender. Kelechi Emekalam has more.

KELECHI EMEKALAM ABUJA, NIGERIA "Very little is known about Mallam Ramat Alamin but Nigeria's army says his surrender is significant. The army described him as a senior leader in the Boko Haram faction led by Abubakar Shekau. He gave himself up to troops along Dikwa road in Borno state. An AK 47 rifle, four empty magazines and a motorbike were recovered from him. Boko Haram has persistently rejected claims of defeat but Mallam gave a different account of things in Boko Haram camp. He told Nigerian Military, the group is starving, in disarray and unable to launch bold attacks they have been known for. Mallam claims as such, many insurgents would like to surrender but are afraid of the consequences. The military says he has provided vital intelligence to help in the fight against the insurgents. While meeting recently more than 100 freed Dapchi school girl on Friday President Muhammadu Buhari extended unconditional amnesty to insurgents who give up fighting. So the like of Mallam stand to be pardoned to persuade more insurgents to surrender. Kelechi Emekalam. CGTN. ABUJA, NIGERIA."