Feared bandit leader, Salisu Mohammed, popularly known as Dogo Saleh, met a brutal end at the hands of his own gang members during a failed rescue attempt after being captured by security operatives. The 21-year-old criminal mastermind, notorious for orchestrating kidnappings and violent attacks along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway, was a key enforcer for armed gangs operating within the Rijana Forest, Kaduna State.
Arrest and Firefight at the Bandits’ Hideout
According to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, intelligence-led operations led to the capture of Dogo Saleh on March 3 at Gidan Abe Forest while he was en route to Bwari Area Council, FCT. During his arrest, law enforcement agents recovered a deadly AK-49 rifle, two magazines, 60 rounds of live ammunition, and ₦3 million in suspected ransom money.
Following critical intelligence gathered from Saleh, the police launched a daring raid on March 4, targeting a notorious bandit enclave in Kwasau Forest, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State. The hideout, controlled by a criminal syndicate under the leadership of one Abdu Musa, alias “Kanabaro,” was heavily fortified.
As security forces advanced, armed bandits launched an ambush in a desperate bid to rescue their captured leader. However, the operatives responded with superior firepower and tactical precision, overpowering the criminals in an intense gun battle. Amid the chaos, Dogo Saleh was fatally wounded—ironically, by bullets fired by his own gang members during the shootout.
The End of a Criminal Reign
Saleh was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. His death marks a significant victory in the ongoing war against banditry in northern Nigeria.
Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh detailed Saleh’s long history of violent crimes, linking him to several high-profile kidnappings and murders. His criminal record includes:
The January 5, 2025, abduction of a police officer’s family and the murder of two security personnel at Kujama Market, Kaduna.
The abduction and murder of a security officer in Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA, two years ago.
A series of ransom-driven kidnappings in Kike, Bagada, and Karuga villages, where millions of naira were extorted from victims’ families.
A history of collaboration with the terrorist group Ansaru to smuggle and procure sophisticated weapons.
Gang Leaders Eliminated, Police Remain Vigilant
Authorities confirmed that key figures in Saleh’s network—including Boka, the overall commander, and Sharmi, his deputy—had been neutralized in separate operations. With their leadership crumbling, security forces are intensifying efforts to track down and dismantle the remaining members of the gang.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the officers for their bravery and assured residents that operations to root out criminal elements in the region would continue. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through the police emergency lines.
This latest victory underscores the growing success of security forces in countering the scourge of banditry and restoring safety to communities long terrorized by criminal gangs.
