The Defence Headquarters in Abuja has issued a public declaration of wanted status for Simon Ekpa, one of the leaders associated with the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
Ekpa’s name was prominently listed among 96 other individuals across different regions of the country in a banner displayed by the military.
The Defence Headquarters cited reasons for declaring the 97 individuals wanted as related to charges of terrorism, violent extremism, and threats to national unity and security.
Notably, Simon Ekpa has been identified as a key figure controlling a faction of IPOB and has been linked to the implementation of the infamous Monday sit-at-home directive in the South-East region.
Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the publication of the names and images of the wanted persons.
The list comprises individuals classified as terrorists, bandits, insurgents, and militant leaders operating in various zones, including the North-East, North-West, North-Central, and South-East regions.
A significant portion of the wanted persons, numbering 43, hail from the North-West, a region grappling with challenges such as banditry and kidnapping.
Some names from the zone include bandits/terrorist leaders such as 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.
In the North East, 33 people were declared wanted, including terrorist commanders.
Some of the names from the North-East are 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.
In the North-Central and South-East, 21 Insurgents/militants and violent criminals were equally declared wanted.
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 South East are Obiemesi Chukwudi aka Dan Chuk; David Ezekwem Chidiebube and Amobi Chinonso Okafor aka Temple.
See the photo below:
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