FG Offers N290 Million Reward to Anyone with Information Leading to the Arrest of Boko Haram Leaders

On the 1st of November 2012, members of the radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram said they were ready to ceasefire and listed some conditions for negotiation with the Federal Government. Since then, there has been unconfirmed reports of the Federal Government’s intention to begin negotiations with the sect.

However, in a new development which might have thwarted any attempts at a dialogue, the  Federal Government yesterday declared a N290 million reward for anyone who could assist to locate the leader of the sect, Imam Abubakar Shekau and 18 other leaders.



The Joint Task Force (JTF) headquatres, which made the declaration in a statement last night, said the 19 leaders are wanted over the spate of bombings and killings in the North-East.

According to The Nation, the statement appeared a declaration of battle line with the sect, thereby foreclosing any room for dialogue.

“They are wanted in connection with terrorist activities, particularly in the North East Zone of Nigeria that led to the killings, bombings and assassination of some civilians, religious leaders, traditional rulers, businessmen, politicians, civil servants and security personnel, amongst others.

“They are also wanted for arson and destruction of properties worth millions of naira. Therefore, anyone with information that will lead to the arrest of any of the listed terrorists or more will have the rewards as stated.”

The JTF’s list comprised five members of the Shurra Committee (the highest decision-making body of the sect) and 19 Boko Haram commanders.

Those affected are five members of the Shurra Committee of the sect, including Imam Abubakar Shekau (N50 million); Habibu Yusuf (a.k.a Asalafi), N25 million; Khalid Albarnawai (N25 million); Momodu Bama (N25 million); and Mohammed Zangina (N25 million)

The Boko Haram Commanders are Abu Saad (N10 million); Abba Kaka (N10 million); Abdulmalik Bama (N10 million) Umar Fulata (N10 million); Alhaji Mustapha (Massa) Ibrahim (N10 million); Abubakar Suleiman-Habu (a.k.a Khalid), N10 million; Hassan Jazair, N10 million; Ali Jalingo (N10 million); Alhaji Musa Modu (N10 million); Bashir Aketa (N10 million); Abba Goroma (N10 million); Ibrahim Bashir (N10 million); Abubakar Zakariya (N10 million); and Tukur Ahmed Mohammed (N10 million).

What are your thoughts on this new development? Do you think the Federal Government should rather negotiate with members of the sect or is offering a cash reward for information leading to their arrest a better way of apprehending them?