CCT Chairman Calls for Military Bombing of Northern Forests to Eradicate Terrorism
The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Dr. Mainasara Kogo, has called for aggressive military intervention to combat banditry and terrorism in northern Nigeria. Speaking at the 2025 Sir Ahmadu Bello National Annual Memorial Conference in Kaduna, Kogo proposed the bombing of nine forests that he believes serve as sanctuaries for terrorists and bandits.
During his address at the conference, themed ‘Nigeria’s Leadership for National Cohesion and Stability, Under The Contemporary Governance,’ Kogo emphasized the urgent need for decisive military action to eradicate the growing security threats facing the nation. He identified nine key forests across northern Nigeria—Sambisa (Borno), Mandara Mountains (Lake Chad), Falgore (Kano), Rugu (Katsina), Sabon Birni (Sokoto), Dansadau (Zamfara), Birnin-Gwari (Kaduna), Kontagora (Niger), and Birnin Kogo (Katsina)—as the primary hideouts for the perpetrators of violence.
Kogo argued that bombing these forests into “ashes” would effectively end the activities of terrorists and bandits. He further suggested that after military intervention, the area could be transformed into an agricultural hub, fostering economic development and providing jobs for Nigeria’s unemployed youth. “Turn the area into belts of industrial commercial agriculture,” he said, proposing initiatives like factories, textiles, and flour mills to drive the economy and generate foreign exchange for the country.
Overhauling Nigeria’s Security Architecture
In addition to his calls for military action, Kogo recommended a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s security infrastructure. He proposed the creation of specialized security agencies, including the National Border Security Police, National Ports Police, National Airports Police, National Cyber Crime Police, and National Anti-Terrorism Police. This restructuring, he argued, would streamline security operations and improve coordination in the fight against terrorism and crime.
Kogo also urged a thorough audit of the country’s security spending over the past two decades. He questioned the transparency and accountability of the funds allocated for security, citing unaccounted-for shipments of weapons and the lack of convictions for security breaches. He said, “Punish the guilty; punish the perpetrators,” emphasizing the need for real consequences for those involved in smuggling arms and collaborating with terrorists.
Calls for Unity and Progress Amidst National Challenges
The conference also featured speeches from various dignitaries, including the National President of Gamji Heritage, Ahmed Abdullahi. Abdullahi called for unity among Nigerians in addressing the nation’s security challenges and building a stronger, more cohesive country. He highlighted the lasting legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello, stressing the importance of continuing the work he started with transformative institutions like Arewa House, Ahmadu Bello University, and the Kainji and Jebba Hydroelectric Projects.
With a unified approach, Abdullahi expressed confidence that the nation could overcome its current struggles, including security threats, and move toward a prosperous future. Other notable figures at the event included Ambassador Ibrahim Mai Sule, Justice Mainasara Kogo Umar, and Professor Abubakar Mohammed, the Director-General of the Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training.
Conclusion
Dr. Kogo’s remarks at the conference underscore a critical moment in Nigeria’s battle against terrorism and insecurity. His call for decisive military action, combined with systemic security reforms, reflects a growing desire for change in addressing the country’s persistent challenges.
