The Operatives of the FCT Police Command, In a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation, have neutralized a notorious bandit, Salisu Mohammed, alias Dogo Saleh.
According to the Police, Dogo Saleh has been terrorizing the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states.
The FCT Command spokesperson, a Superintendent of Police, Josephine Adeh disclosed that Dogo Saleh was arrested following an intense counter-kidnapping operation aimed at dismantling a syndicate responsible for violent crimes along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway and within the FCT.
Adeh explained: “On March 3, 2025, acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of bandits into the FCT, the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led operatives to block their access routes.
“After meticulous tracking, the operatives successfully intercepted and arrested Salisu Mohammed at Gidan Abe Forest while he was en route to Bwari Area Council, FCT.
“Salisu Mohammed, a 21-year-old Fulani man from Baban Saural village, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was identified as a notorious hitman for bandit leaders operating in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State. He had terrorized communities along major highways, kidnapping unsuspecting victims and extorting huge ransoms.”
According to Adeh, during the operation, Saleh Dogo attempted to evade capture, abandoning his possessions, which included, an AK-49 rifle with two magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and N3m cash proceeds from previous kidnappings.
Further investigations revealed his direct involvement in several high-profile kidnappings and killings, including, Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA (two years ago), where two individuals, including a security officer, kidnapped, and then demanded millions of naira for ransom.
He would later kill the officer after collecting the ransom.
Also, at Kike Village (one year ago), a security officer’s wife was kidnapped by Dogo Saleh, and ransom was collected. In Bagada Village (five months ago), he kidnapped three persons and collected millions of naira.
About a year ago in a village near Kaduna Refinery, he kidnapped two men and collected millions of naira as ransom.
In Karuga Village, Chikun LGA (one year ago), he kidnapped one person and collected millions of naira as ransom.
In Bagado Village, Chikun LGA, about 11 months ago, he kidnapped some persons and collected millions of naira as ransom.
In Dan-Bushiya Village, two years ago, kidnapped and collected millions of naira as ransom.
He also allegedly kidnapped a woman and her two children at Police Quarters in Baban Saural, Chikun LGA, the officer and her children remain in captivity.
Dogo Saleh and his group attacked a security outpost at Kujama Market, Kaduna (January 5, 2025), two security personnel were killed, and firearms were stolen.
Dogo Saleh and his gang were actively involved in kidnapping motorists along the Lokoja-Enugu highway. Led by his gang leader, Kanaboro, alongside Saleh and Abubakar, they recently kidnapped a tribal youth leader and others, collecting ransom before their release.
Leadership: Boka – Overall commander (now deceased), Sharmi (surname unknown) – Deputy, Dogo Isa – Assistant (now deceased), Gudan – Assistant
Each of them operated a sub-camp in the forest.
Connection with Terrorists: The gang is loyal to Dogo Gide and collaborates with the Ansaru terrorist group for arms and ammunition supply.
On March 4, 2025, at approximately 11:14 PM, operatives launched a high-risk follow-up operation to dismantle the arrested suspect’s gang, leveraging intelligence provided by the suspect.
The suspect led the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to Kwasau Forest, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, where his gang, led by one Abdu Musa, alias “Kanabaro,” had established a major hideout.
Upon arrival, the Police team was ambushed by armed bandits attempting to free the suspect. 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 gang during the crossfire. He was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
The Police recovered: An AK-47 rifle with a scratched-out breech number and one magazine with two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. 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.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Olatunji Disu, has commended the officers involved in the operation for their bravery, professionalism, and tactical efficiency.
He assured residents that operations are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing gang members and dismantle all criminal networks operating within the region.
He further reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging citizens to remain vigilant and support law enforcement efforts by providing timely and actionable intelligence.
The FCT Police Command urges public members to report any suspicious activities, individuals with gunshot wounds, or movements of criminal elements to the nearest police station.
