The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Dr. Mainasara Umar Kogo, has called for decisive military action against bandits and terrorists in Nigeria, including airstrikes on nine key forests in the northern region.
Speaking at the 2025 Sir Ahmadu Bello National Annual Memorial Conference at Arewa House, Kaduna, on Saturday, Kogo stressed the urgency of addressing insecurity and terrorism in the region.
The conference, themed “Nigeria’s Leadership for National Cohesion and Stability under Contemporary Governance,” attracted dignitaries from across the north.
As a guest speaker, Kogo identified the forests serving as terrorist hideouts, including Sambisa (Borno), Mandara Mountains (near Lake Chad), Falgore (Kano), Rugu (Katsina), Sabon Birni (Sokoto), Dansadau (Zamfara), Birnin-Gwari (Kaduna), Kontagora (Niger), and Birnin Kogo (Katsina). He urged the military to destroy these locations to eliminate terrorist activities and restore security.
Kogo proposed converting these forests into industrial agricultural zones to generate employment and boost economic activity. He envisioned industries such as textiles, food production, and oil milling in these areas, providing jobs and stimulating economic growth.
Highlighting the need for a comprehensive security overhaul, Kogo recommended amending sections 214–216 and 217–219 of the Nigerian Constitution to redefine the roles of the police and other security agencies.
He also suggested creating specialized security units, such as a “National Border Security Police” and “National Anti-Terrorism Police.”
Additionally, Kogo called for an audit of security expenditures over the past 20 years to promote accountability and transparency, noting the lack of convictions despite interceptions of arms, ammunition, and informants linked to criminal networks.
In his remarks, Ahmed Abdullahi, National President of the Gamji Heritage Association, emphasized unity and collaboration to address Nigeria’s challenges. Reflecting on Sir Ahmadu Bello’s legacy, Abdullahi highlighted his transformative achievements, such as the establishment of Arewa House, Ahmadu Bello University, and the Kainji and Jebba Hydroelectric Projects.
Abdullahi also urged leaders to take decisive actions to alleviate economic hardships, combat insecurity, and restore the value of the naira, while appealing to traditional rulers and conference attendees to contribute meaningful solutions.
Other speakers at the event included Ambassador Ibrahim Mai Sule, Vice Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, and Prof. Abubakar Saddique Mohammed, Director-General of the Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training, Zaria.
The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to reflect on Northern Nigeria’s history and strategize for the region’s future development.
