Police kill Abuja notorious kidnapper, Dogo Saleh

There is a relief for residents of Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) as police neutralised notorious kidnapper, Dogo Saleh.

A statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh on Wednesday said the command has recorded a major breakthrough in its relentless fight against criminal elements terrorising the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring states.

According to the statement: “In a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation, FCT Police operatives neutralised a notorious bandit, Salisu Mohammed, alias “Dogo Saleh,” 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.

“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”.

According to the statement the Nigerian Tribune gathered that Salisu Mohammed, a 21-year-old 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 terrorised communities along major highways, kidnapping unsuspecting victims and extorting huge ransoms.

During the operation, he attempted to evade capture, abandoning his possessions, including an AK-49 rifle with two magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and N3,000,000 cash proceeds from previous kidnappings.

The FCT PPRO further said investigations revealed that the hoodlum has direct involvement in several high-profile kidnappings and killings including, Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA (two years ago), two individuals, including a security officer was kidnapped and later killed after ransom worth millions of Naira was collected.

“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. Village near Kaduna Refinery (one year ago) – Two men kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira. 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. The kidnapping of a woman and her two children at Police Quarters in Baban Saural, Chikun LGA – The officer and her children remain in captivity. Attack on security outpost at Kujama Market, Kaduna (January 5, 2025) – Two security personnel were killed, firearms were stolen.

“Salisu Mohammed 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, leveraging intelligence provided by the arrested suspect, operatives launched a high-risk follow-up operation to dismantle his gang. 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 own 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. One magazine with two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

“The bandits’ hideout was successfully dislodged. One officer, Inspector of the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, sustained minor injuries and has since been treated and discharged. No other casualties were recorded”, she noted.

Adeh further opined that the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Olatunji Disu, has commended the officers involved in the operation for their bravery, professionalism, and tactical efficiency.

The CP 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.

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