DHQ plans listing wanted persons’ names, photos at embassies, airports

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday said it would place the banner it used to declare over 90 terrorists operating in some geopolitical zones wanted in some strategic locations, including embassies and airports.

The DHQ, through the Director, Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, had earlier declared 97 persons wanted, including terrorists, insurgents, violent criminals, among others, for allegedly being behind various crimes in the country.

Among those declared wanted included the notorious bandit leader terrorizing Zamfara, Bello Turji, who had wrecked havocs in the Northwest regions of the country.

Also declared wanted was the Finland-based Simon Ekpa, who is the factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra and also the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in exile.

The IPOB factional leader had consistently called for a sit-at-home in the South-East and often makes statements considered as inciting against the government and military personnel.

The names and pictures were those of suspected terrorists in the North-East and North-West as well as insurgents in the South-East and the North-Central.

Forty-three persons were declared wanted in the North-West, which is being ravaged by banditry, among whom are: 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.

Twenty-one insurgents and violent criminals were declared wanted in the South-East and North-Central regions. They include Simon Ekpa; Chika Edoziem; Egede; Zuma; ThankGod; Gentle; Flavour; Matthew; David Ndubuisi; High Chief Williams Agbor; Ebuka Nwaka; Friday Ojimka; Obiemesi Chukwudi, aka Dan Chuk; David Ezekwem Chidiebube; and Amobi Chinonso Okafor, aka Temple.

In an interview with The PUNCH on Saturday, Buba noted that the assistance of relevant agencies in the country would be sought to ensure that the wanted insurgents and terrorists were apprehended.

He also noted that their names and pictures would be submitted to embassies and airports in the country.

“Yes, the DHQ will be working with other security agencies to arrest those declared wanted. Also, this list will be submitted at airports and embassies to help in apprehending them,” he said.