The Defence Headquarters has announced that 97 individuals, including terrorists, insurgents, and other perpetrators of violent crimes, are wanted for their roles in destabilizing the country. The list includes Simon Ekpa, a factional leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, released the names and photos of the wanted persons.
Unlike a previous declaration in November 2022, where 19 bandit leaders were declared wanted with a bounty of N5 million on each, no bounty has been placed on these 97 individuals. The wanted list encompasses individuals from the North East, North West, South-East, and North Central regions, reflecting the widespread nature of the security threats.
In the North West, 43 individuals linked to banditry were declared wanted, including Alhaji Shingi, Malindi Yakubu, and Boka. In the North East, 33 individuals associated with Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa Province (ISWAP) were declared wanted, including Abu Zaida and Modu Sulum. Additionally, 21 individuals in the South-East and North Central regions, including Simon Ekpa and Chika Edoziem, were listed as wanted for various insurgent and criminal activities.
