The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) is making preparations to release the identities and photographs of a new group of wanted terrorist and bandit leaders on its wanted list, following the elimination of prominent figures and the emergence of fresh leaders.
In November 2022, the DHQ declared 19 bandit leaders wanted, offering a reward of N5 million for each, aiming to encourage Nigerians to provide valuable information leading to their arrest.
Among the notable figures declared wanted were Bello Turji from Fakai village, Zamfara State; Ali Kachalla, also known as Ali Kawaje, from Kuyambara village in Danaadau Maru LG of Zamfara State; Ado Aliero, from Yankuzo village in the Tsafe LGA, Zamfara State; and Halilu Sububu from Sububu village in the Maradun LGA, Zamfara State.
Also on the list were Sani Dangote from Dumbarum village, Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State; Leko (Mozoj village, Mutazu LGA, Katsina State); Dogo Nahali (Yar Tsamiyar Jno village, Kankara LGA, Katsina State); Nagona from Angwan Galadima in the Isa Loa area of Sokoto State; Monore from Yantumaki village, Dan LGA, Katsina State; Gwaska Dankarami from Shamushele village in the Zuri LGA of Zamfara State; Baleri from Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State and Mamudu Tainange from Varanda village in Batsari LGA, Katsina State and others.
According to a recent report, a military source who spoke to PUNCH, hinted that preparations are underway to release a new list of wanted terrorists, including their photographs.
“The authorities are working on a new list of other wanted terrorist and bandit leaders. It will also contain their pictures. Their lists are being compiled.
“We will urge Nigerians to cooperate with us so that we can neutralise them as we have done in the past. There should be a bounty on them, but I can’t say how much. Don’t worry; it will be released to the public very soon,” the source reportedly hinted.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, confirmed that work is ongoing on the new list.
The military has successfully eliminated numerous terrorist and bandit leaders in various operations conducted across different theatres of operations.
Notable among them was Boderi, responsible for orchestrating high-profile kidnappings, who was killed in February 2024.
Between February 1 and 28, 2024, troops neutralized 10 terrorist kingpins, including Ashiru, Kachambi, Dogon Rakumi, Sulen Nagala, Laushi, Bangis, Alhaji Kabiru, Alhaji Baldu, and Baban Yara.
In July 2023, the military eliminated a bandit leader named Dogo Gudali in Zamfara, while in January 2023, Alhaji Shadari, along with some gang members, was killed in Zamfara State.
