A feared bandit leader, Salisu Mohammed, widely known as Dogo Saleh, was shot dead by his own gang members after being captured by operatives of the FCT Police Command.
Saleh, 21, was identified as a notorious hitman for criminal groups operating in Kaduna’s Rijana Forest, responsible for multiple kidnappings and killings along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway.
FCT police spokesperson Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Wednesday, March 12, said officers, acting on intelligence, arrested Saleh on March 3 at Gidan Abe Forest while he was heading to Bwari Area Council in the FCT.
During his arrest, officers recovered an AK-49 rifle, two magazines, 60 rounds of live ammunition, and ₦3m, suspected to be ransom money.
Following the arrest, the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched a raid on March 4 at a known bandit hideout in Kwasau Forest, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, where his gang, led by one Abdu Musa, alias “Kanabaro,” was based.
However, armed bandits ambushed the operatives in an attempt to rescue 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.
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She detailed Saleh’s criminal record, linking him to the abduction of a police officer’s family and the killing of two security personnel in an attack on Kujama Market, Kaduna, on January 5, 2025.
“Other attacks linked to Dogo Saleh include: Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA (two years ago) – Two individuals, including a security officer, were kidnapped.
“Ransom collected: Millions of Naira. 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 kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira; Village near Kaduna Refinery (one year ago) – Two men kidnapped.
“Ransom collected: millions of naira; Karuga Village, Chikun LGA (one year ago) – One person kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira; Bagado Village, Chikun LGA (eleven months ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira and Dan-Bushiya Village (two years ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira,” she stated.
Adeh further revealed that Saleh’s gang collaborated with the Ansaru terrorist group to acquire weapons.
She added that several high-ranking gang members, including their commander Boka, deputy commander Sharmi, and assistants Saleh and Gudan, had been eliminated in different operations.
“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 said.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the officers for their bravery and assured residents that operations to track down fleeing gang members were ongoing.
He urged the public to report any suspicious activities through police emergency lines.