DHQ Set to Release Names and Photos of Wanted Bandit Leaders

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) is gearing up to unveil the identities and images of a fresh batch of wanted terrorist and bandit leaders, according to emerging reports.

Following the successful elimination of top-tier terrorists and bandit leaders, the military is now turning its attention to the emerging leadership within these criminal networks. Notably, the DHQ had previously declared 19 bandit leaders wanted in November 2022, offering a bounty of N5 million for each of them.

Among the prominent figures on that list were Bello Turji from Fakai village, Zamfara State; Ali Kachalla, alias Ali Kawaje, from Kuyambara village in Danaadau Maru LG of Zamfara State; Ado Aliero, from Yankuzo village in the Tsafe LGA, Zamfara State; Halilu Sububu from Sububu village in the Maradun LGA, Zamfara State, and several others.

Sources within the military indicate that preparations are underway to release a new list of wanted terrorists, complete with their photographs. While specifics regarding bounties remain undisclosed, the public can anticipate the release of this information in the near future, encouraging collaboration with security forces to neutralize these threats.

Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the ongoing work on compiling this new list, reassuring the public of its imminent release.

In recent operations, the military has achieved significant successes in eliminating terrorist and bandit leaders across various theatres of operation. Notably, the infamous bandit kingpin known as Boderi, responsible for orchestrating numerous high-profile kidnappings, was eliminated alongside another key figure, Bodejo, in February 2024. Additionally, throughout February 2024, troops successfully neutralized 10 terrorist kingpins.

These efforts underscore the military’s commitment to combating terrorism and banditry, as evidenced by previous operations that resulted in the elimination of notorious figures such as Dogo Gudali in July 2023 and Alhaji Shadari in January 2023. As the DHQ prepares to unveil the identities of new wanted leaders, it seeks the cooperation of the public in bringing these criminals to justice.