Destroy terrorist hideouts to end insecurity, CCT chairman urges military

 CCT Chairman Calls for Military Action Against Terrorists, Proposes Economic Transformation of Forest Hideouts

Dr. Mainasara Umar Kogo, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), has called for an intensified military offensive against bandits and terrorists operating in Northern Nigeria, including the strategic bombardment of nine major forests that serve as their hideouts.

Speaking at the 2025 Sir Ahmadu Bello National Annual Memorial Conference at Arewa House, Kaduna, on Saturday, Kogo emphasized the need for decisive action to curb insecurity in the region.

Themed “Nigeria’s Leadership for National Cohesion and Stability under Contemporary Governance,” the conference drew prominent figures from across the north to discuss pressing national challenges.

Targeted Military Operations in Nine Forests

During his address, Kogo identified nine key forests that serve as strongholds for terrorists and criminal groups. He called for immediate military action to eliminate these hideouts and restore security in the region. The forests include:

• Sambisa Forest (Borno)

• Mandara Mountains (near Lake Chad)

• Falgore Forest (Kano)

• Rugu Forest (Katsina)

• Sabon Birni Forest (Sokoto)

• Dansadau Forest (Zamfara)

• Birnin-Gwari Forest (Kaduna)

• Kontagora Forest (Niger)

• Birnin Kogo Forest (Katsina)

According to Kogo, eliminating these terrorist enclaves would significantly disrupt their operations and improve security in the region.

Turning Conflict Zones into Economic Hubs

Beyond military intervention, Kogo proposed converting these forests into industrial agricultural zones to stimulate economic growth and provide employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

“We must take drastic measures to address the security crisis in our country. Tolerating terrorist activities any longer will only further endanger national security,” he stated.

His vision includes transforming the affected areas into production hubs for industries such as textiles, food processing, and oil milling, which would create jobs and generate foreign exchange.

Security Reforms and Accountability

Kogo also advocated for a comprehensive security sector reform, including:

• Establishing specialized security forces such as a National Border Security Police, National Ports Police, National Airports Police, National Cyber Crime Police, and National Anti-Terrorism Police.

• Auditing security expenditures from the past two decades to enhance transparency and accountability.

• Amending Sections 214–216 and 217–219 of the Nigerian Constitution to redefine the roles of the police and other security agencies in handling internal security threats.

He expressed concern over the repeated interception of arms shipments and arrests of informants without corresponding convictions, calling for a more effective judicial process to deter criminal activities.

“Numerous containers of weapons have been intercepted, and several collaborators have been arrested, yet we have not seen significant prosecutions. Nigeria’s leadership must take decisive action,” he remarked.

A Call for National Unity and Governance Reform

Ahmed Abdullahi, National President of the Gamji Heritage Association, also addressed the gathering, stressing the need for unity in tackling Nigeria’s challenges. He praised the legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello, citing his contributions to education, infrastructure, and regional development, including the establishment of Arewa House, Ahmadu Bello University, and the Kainji and Jebba Hydroelectric Projects.

Acknowledging the economic downturn, insecurity, and the depreciation of the Naira, Abdullahi urged leaders to take bold steps to alleviate the hardships facing Nigerians. He also called on traditional rulers and stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to national development.

“With Allah’s guidance, we will overcome these difficulties and build a stronger, more unified Nigeria,” he concluded.

High-Profile Participation at the Conference

The conference served as a platform for discussions on governance, security, and economic development in Northern Nigeria. Other notable speakers included:

• Ambassador Ibrahim Mai Sule – Vice Chairman, Arewa Consultative Forum

• Justice Mainasara Umar Kogo – Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal

• Prof. Abubakar Saddique Mohammed – Director-General, Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training, Zaria

The event reinforced the commitment of northern leaders to addressing regional challenges while advocating for broader national stability and economic transformation.