At least 97 persons have been declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters over the deteriorating security situation across the nation.

The wanted persons include terrorists, bandit leaders and other insurgents causing mayhem in the North and other parts of the country.

The factional leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Simon Ekpa, and some of his men including one notorious killer known as Gentle also made the wanted list.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba on Friday, confirmed the names of the wanted persons.

The list contained names of terrorists from the North East and North West as well as insurgents in the South East and North Central.

Bello Turji, Alhaji Shingi, Malindi Yakubu, Boka, Dogo Gide, Halilu Sububu and 33 others were declared wanted in the North West Zone.

At least 21 Insurgents and violent criminals from the Southeast and North Central were also declared wanted.

They include Simon Ekpa, 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.