A notorious bandit leader, Salisu Mohammed, also known as Dogo Saleh, has been killed by his own gang members during a police operation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The police said Saleh, a feared hitman for criminal gangs in Kaduna State, was responsible for multiple kidnappings and killings along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway.
FCT Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday. She said police operatives arrested Saleh on March 3 at Gidan Abe Forest while he was traveling to Bwari Area Council in Abuja.
“During the operation, police recovered an AK-49 rifle, two magazines, 60 rounds of live ammunition, and ₦3 million suspected to be ransom money,” Adeh stated.
Following Saleh’s arrest, the police Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched a follow-up raid on March 4 at Kwasau Forest in Kaduna State. The hideout, controlled by bandit leader Abdu Musa, also known as Kanabaro, was a base for kidnapping operations.
However, during the raid, the police officers were ambushed by bandits attempting to free Saleh.
Also Read:
- Nigeria Police Scrap Law Dismissing Unmarried Pregnant Officers – AIG
- Police Identify Shallow Grave of LASU Graduate, Arrest Fourth 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,” Adeh said.
Saleh had been linked to several criminal activities, including 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 him include kidnappings in Kyauta Village, Kike Village, Bagada Village, and Karuga Village in Kaduna State, where his gang collected millions of naira in ransom.
Adeh also revealed that Saleh’s gang had ties with the Ansaru terrorist group, helping them procure weapons. She listed other top members of the gang, including Boka (the overall commander), Sharmi (his deputy), and Gudan, a sub-camp operator, who had all been eliminated in separate 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 added.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, praised the officers for their bravery and assured residents that efforts to capture the fleeing gang members would continue.