From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared 97 persons wanted for terrorism, violent extremism, secession, among other crimes.
The wanted persons include a factional leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa, who is based in Finland.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, who released the names and pictures of the wanted persons, said that the banners bearing their pictures would be deployed in strategic areas across the country.
He said: “The deployment of the banner is for ease of recognition and arrest of the wanted persons. The public is urged to cooperate and report, please.
“The wanted persons, terrorists/bandits and insurgents commanders are from the Northeast, Northwest, North Central and Southeast zones.
“A breakdown of the wanted persons shows that 43 were declared wanted in Northwest Zone where banditry and kidnapping is rife. They include: Alhaji Shingi; Malindi Yakubu; Boka ; Dogo Gide; Halilu Sububu; Ado Aliero ; Bello Turji; Dan Bokkolo; Labi Yadi ; Nagala; Saidu Idris; Kachalla Rugga and Sani Gurgu.
“Similarly, 33 persons were declared wanted In the Northeast that is ravaged by Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa Province terrorists.
“Those declared wanted are terrorists commanders, Abu Zaida; Modu Sulum; Baba Data; Ahmad; Sani Teacher; Baa Sadiq; Abdul Saad; Kaka Abi; Mohammad Khalifa; Umar Tella; Abu Mutahid; Mallam Mohammad; Mallam Tahiru Baga; Uzaiya and Ali Ngule.
“A total of 21 insurgents/militants and violent criminals were declared wanted In the North Central and Southeast. They include factional IPOB leader, Simon Ekpa; Chika Edoziem; Egede; Zuma, ThankGod Gentle; Flavour ; Mathew; David Ndubuisi ; High Chief Williams Agbor; Ebuka Nwaka; Friday Ojimka.
“Others in the Southeast include Obiemesi Chukwudi aka Dan Chuk ; David Ezekwem Chidiebube and Amobi Chinonso Okafor aka Temple.”