Defence HQ Finally Declares IPOB’s Simon Ekpa, 96 Others Wanted (PHOTOS)

The Defence Headquarters has announced that 97 individuals are wanted for various offenses, including terrorism and insurgency, across the country. Among them is Simon Ekpa, a factional leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the identities and provided images of the wanted individuals during a briefing on Friday.

Last week, our correspondent exclusively reported that the military high command planned to designate certain individuals as wanted for their involvement in terrorist activities. Unlike in November 2022, no bounty has been offered for the apprehension of the 97 wanted persons.

The list includes 43 individuals wanted for banditry in the North West Zone, such as Alhaji Shingi, Malindi Yakubu, and Sani Gurgu. In the North East, 33 persons, including Abu Zaida and Modu Sulum, are wanted for their association with Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

Furthermore, 21 insurgents and violent criminals, including Simon Ekpa and Chika Edoziem, Egede; Zuma ; ThankGod; Gentle; Flavour ; Mathew; David Ndubuisi ; High Chief Williams Agbor; Ebuka Nwaka; Friday Ojimka; Obiemesi Chukwudi aka Dan Chuk ; David Ezekwem Chidiebube and Amobi Chinonso Okafor aka Temple among others are wanted in the South-East and North Central Area.

The Defence Headquarters urges anyone with information about the whereabouts of these wanted individuals to come forward and assist in their apprehension.