A powerful Somali pirate has surrendered to authorities, together with hundreds of his men.

The DPA news agency cited officials as saying Mohamed Osman Mohamud, alias Mohamed Garfanje, gave himself up in Adado.

He was notorious for seizing vessels for ransom.

A Somalian regional security minister, Nor Ibrahim Osman, told DPA the move was a "historic event."

Mohamud reportedly said he wanted to "give up my previous business to help rebuild my region peacefully."

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