The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Dr. Mainasara Umar Kogo, has called for intensified military action against bandits and terrorists in Nigeria. Speaking at the 2025 Sir Ahmadu Bello National Annual Memorial Conference on Saturday at Arewa House in Kaduna, Kogo urged the military to destroy terrorist strongholds across the northern region by bombing nine identified forests serving as hideouts.
The conference, themed “Nigeria’s Leadership for National Cohesion and Stability under Contemporary Governance,” drew dignitaries and stakeholders from across the region. It provided a platform to discuss pressing issues, including national security and governance.
Targeted Forests for Military Action
As a guest speaker, Kogo outlined the specific forests that require immediate military attention:
- Sambisa Forest (Borno)
- Mandara Mountains (near Lake Chad)
- Falgore Forests (Kano)
- Rugu Forests (Katsina)
- Sabon Birni Forests (Sokoto)
- Dansadau Forest (Zamfara)
- Birnin-Gwari Forest (Kaduna)
- Kontagora Forest (Niger)
- Birnin Kogo Forest (Katsina)
“These forests have become the operational bases of terrorists. Bombarding them will dismantle their activities and restore security,” Kogo emphasized.
Transforming Forests into Agricultural and Industrial Zones
Beyond eliminating terrorist hideouts, Kogo proposed converting these areas into industrial agricultural zones to stimulate economic growth and create jobs for the nation’s youth. “Transforming these forests into hubs for agriculture and industry will combat hunger, provide employment, and drive economic activities,” he said.
He suggested developing industries such as textiles, food processing, and oil milling in these regions, which could generate foreign exchange and uplift local communities.
Comprehensive Overhaul of Security Architecture
Kogo advocated for a broad restructuring of Nigeria’s security framework, recommending the establishment of specialized security agencies, including:
- National Border Security Police
- National Ports Police
- National Airports Police
- National Cyber Crime Police
- National Anti-Terrorism Police
He also called for constitutional amendments to redefine the roles of the police and other security agencies. Specifically, he urged revisions to sections 214–216, which pertain to police authority over internal security, and sections 217–219, which allow collaboration with other security bodies when necessary.
Additionally, Kogo highlighted the need to audit security expenditures from the past two decades to enhance accountability. “Despite the interception of container loads of arms and arrests of collaborators, we have yet to see convictions. Leadership must take decisive action against these threats,” he asserted.
Reflections on National Leadership
Ahmed Abdullahi, National President of the Gamji Heritage Association, also addressed the conference, urging unity and collective effort in tackling Nigeria’s challenges. He praised the enduring legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello, citing transformative projects such as Arewa House, Ahmadu Bello University, and the Kainji and Jebba Hydroelectric Projects as examples of visionary leadership.
Abdullahi expressed concern over current issues such as economic hardship, insecurity, and the devaluation of the Naira. He called on leaders to implement solutions that would alleviate the struggles of Nigerians, while appealing to traditional rulers and stakeholders to collaborate on addressing these issues.
A Call for National Progress
The memorial conference honored the legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello while serving as a platform for meaningful deliberations on Northern Nigeria’s development. Other notable speakers 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.
“We remain committed to building a stronger, united Nigeria. With Allah’s guidance, we will overcome these challenges,” Abdullahi concluded.
The conference reinforced the importance of proactive leadership, unity, and decisive action in addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues and ensuring national cohesion.
Hobnob News will continue to monitor developments on this story and provide updates on the recommendations and their implementation.
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