In recent months, there has been a surge in terrorism, killings, and kidnappings, causing great concern for the federal government. In response, the government has initiated measures to address these security challenges and ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens.
A recent decision by the defence headquarters involves the arrest of suspected individuals linked to terrorism and other activities contributing to insecurity.
As part of this effort, the defence headquarters has identified Finland-based Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Biafra agitator, along with 96 others, as wanted for their involvement in terrorism, kidnapping, and various crimes across different geopolitical zones.
Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, released a poster on Saturday in Abuja containing the names and photographs of these wanted individuals. The poster categorizes them as either terrorists, kidnappers, or individuals associated with violent crimes. Notably, no bounty has been placed on the 97 wanted persons.
In 2022, the military had declared 19 bandits wanted in the North-West and offered a bounty of N5 million for their capture. It is not clear whether those declared wanted in 2022 have been captured or killed, but names like Bello Turji and Halilu Babubu are still featured on the list released on Saturday.
The DHQ declared 43 persons wanted in the North-West in connection with banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
Among them are Shingi, Malindi Yakubu, Boka, Dogo Gide, Halilu Sububu, Ado Aliero, Bello Turji, Dan Bokkolo, Labi Yadi, Nagala, Saidu Idris, Kachalla Rugga and Sani Gurgu.
It declared 33 Boko Haram and Islamic State–West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists wanted in the North-East.
Among them are Abu Zaida, Modu Sulum, Baba Data, Ahmad, Sani Teacher, Baa Sadiq, Abdul Saad, Kaka Abi, Mohammad Khalifa, Umar Tella, Abu Mutahid, Malam Mohammad, Malam Tahiru Baga, Uzaiya and Ali Ngule.
Others declared wanted in the southeast included people known as Egede, Zuma, ThankGod, Gentle, Flavour, Mathew; High Chief Williams Agbor, Ebuka Nwaka, Obiemesi Chukwudi, aka Dan Chuk, David Chidiebube and Amobi Okafor, alias Temple.
The DHQ urged members of the public to report information about the wanted person via phone numbers: 090488450750, 09071230344, 08167291448, 09135783469, 09127140930 and 08146691704.
