A 21-year-old notorious bandit leader, Salisu Mohammed, also known as Dogo Saleh, was killed by his gang members after being apprehended by operatives of the FCT Police Command.
Dogo Saleh, identified as a hitman for criminal gangs operating in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State, was involved in multiple kidnappings and murders along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway.
FCT Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, stated on Wednesday that police, acting on intelligence, carried out a covert operation on March 3 at Gidan Abe Forest, where they intercepted Dogo Saleh while he was on his way to Bwari Area Council, FCT.
Adeh explained that during the arrest, officers recovered an AK-49 rifle, two magazines, 60 rounds of live ammunition, and ₦3 million, believed to be ransom proceeds.
Following intelligence obtained from the suspect, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit conducted a follow-up raid on March 4, 2025, at a known bandit hideout in Kwasau Forest, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State. The hideout was controlled by his gang, led by Abdu Musa, alias “Kanabaro.”
Adeh reported that officers were ambushed by armed bandits attempting to free their leader.
“The operatives swiftly engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, displaying superior tactical expertise and resilience. The bandits were ultimately overpowered and forced to flee into the forest with severe gunshot wounds. The suspect sustained fatal gunshot wounds inflicted by his own gang during the crossfire. He was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead,” Adeh said.
Criminal Activities Linked to Dogo Saleh
Adeh stated that Dogo Saleh was responsible for the abduction of a police officer’s family and the killing of two security personnel during a January 5, 2025, attack at Kujama Market, Kaduna.
She further connected him to several other attacks:
Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA (two years ago) – Two individuals, including a security officer, were kidnapped. A ransom worth millions of naira was collected. The officer was later killed.
Kike Village (one year ago) – A security officer’s wife was kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira.
Bagada Village (five months ago) – Three individuals were kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira.
Near Kaduna Refinery (one year ago) – Two men were kidnapped, and ransom worth millions of naira was paid.
Karuga Village, Chikun LGA (one year ago) – One person was kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira.
Bagado Village, Chikun LGA (eleven months ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira.
Dan-Bushiya Village (two years ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira.
Additionally, Adeh revealed that his gang collaborated with the Ansaru terrorist group to acquire weapons.
She stated that several key figures in the gang had been eliminated in separate operations, including Boka, the overall commander; Sharmi (surname unknown), deputy; Dogo Saleh, assistant; and Gudan, an assistant who managed a sub-camp in the forest.
“The bandits’ hideout was successfully dislodged. One officer, the Inspector of the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, sustained minor injuries and has since been treated and discharged. No other casualties were recorded,” she added.
Adeh mentioned that the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the officers for their bravery and reassured residents that operations were ongoing to apprehend fleeing gang members.
He urged the public to report any suspicious activities through police emergency lines.
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