DHQ Declares Simon Ekpa, 96 Others Wanted for Terrorism

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the declaration of 97 individuals wanted for their involvement in terrorism, violent extremism, and secessionist activities against the state. Among the prominent figures on this list is Simon Ekpa, the factional leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Major General Edwaed Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, officially confirmed the identities and photographs of the wanted individuals during a briefing held in Abuja on Friday evening.

The list comprises individuals linked to terrorism, banditry, and insurgency across various regions of the country, including the North East, North West, North Central, and South-East zones. Notably, the military authorities have not placed any bounty on the wanted persons.

In the North West region, which has been grappling with challenges such as banditry and kidnapping, 43 individuals have been declared wanted. Some of the notable figures include Alhaji Shingi, Malindi Yakubu, and Boka.

Meanwhile, in the North East, where the threat of Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists persists, 33 individuals have been identified as wanted. Among them are terrorist commanders like Abu Zaida and Modu Sulum.

Additionally, in the North Central and South East regions, 21 insurgents, militants, and violent criminals have been declared wanted. Notable names include Simon Ekpa, the factional leader of IPOB, and Chika Edoziem.