Nigeria, March 23 -- The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Friday declared 97 persons wanted for terrorism, violent extremism and secessionist threats against the country.

Among those declared wanted is a factional leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa, who is based in Finland but is believed to be behind the insecurity in the South-east region.

According to the names and pictures posted by the military authorities, 43 persons were declared wanted in the North-west zone, plagued by banditry.

Some of them 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.

Thirty-three persons were declared w...