There are hints that the Defence Headquarters is getting ready to make public the identities and images of the next group of wanted bandit and terrorist commanders.
According to information obtained by Sunday PUNCH, this came about as a result of the military’s removal of prominent terrorists and bandit leaders off their watchlist and the emergence of new leaders.
In November 2022, the DHQ issued a list of 19 bandit commanders who were wanted and offered a N5 million bounty to anyone in Nigeria who could provide information leading to their capture.
Bello Turji from Fakai village in 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 of Zamfara State, and Halilu Sububu from Sububu village in the Maradun LGA of Zamfara State were prominent among those declared wanted.
Sani Dangote from Dumbarum village in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State, Leko from Mozoj village in Mutazu LGA, Katsina State, Dogo Nahali from Yar Tsamiyar Jno village in Kankara LGA, Katsina State, Nagona from Angwan Galadima in the Isa Loa area of Sokoto State, Monore from Yantumaki village in 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 were also listed.
Our journalist was informed by a source that a fresh roster of terrorists wanted by the military was about to be released.
The source mentioned that they were still working on that.
An updated list of additional wanted terrorists and bandit leaders is being developed by the government. It will also include photos of them. They are compiling their lists.
In order for us to neutralize Nigerians like we have in the past, we would implore them to work with us. They should be wanted, but I’m not sure how much. The source teased, “Don’t worry, it will be published to the public very soon.
Work on the new list is still underway, according to Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations.
“We are putting the list to use. It’s coming out soon,” he declared.
According to Sunday PUNCH, numerous terrorist and bandit leaders were slain by the military during multiple raids in different theaters of operations.
This includes the infamous bandit lord known as Boderi, who is suspected of being behind several well-known kidnappings, such as the attacks on the Nigerian Defence Academy, Greenfield University, and the Yauri schoolgirls.
In February 2024, Boderi and another kingpin, Bodejo, were rumored to have been killed.
Ten terrorist leaders were slain by the troops between February 1 and February 28, 2024.
Ashiru, Kachambi, Dogon Rakumi, Sulen Nagala, Laushi, Bangis, Alhaji Kabiru, Alhaji Baldu, and Baban Yara are the leaders of the terrorist organization.
Dogo Gudali, a bandit chieftain in Zamfara, was slain by the military in July 2023.
In a similar vein, many members of Alhaji Shadari’s group and a bandit boss were slain in Zamfara State in January 2023.