A notorious bandit leader, Salisu Mohammed, widely known as Dogo Saleh, has been killed by his own gang members following his arrest by operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.

Dogo Saleh, a known hitman for criminal gangs operating in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State, was responsible for numerous kidnappings and killings along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway.

Police Capture and Deadly Encounter

FCT Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday. She explained that acting on intelligence reports, police operatives launched a covert operation to apprehend Dogo Saleh at Gidan Abe Forest on March 3, while he was traveling toward Bwari Area Council, FCT.

During the operation, police arrested the bandit leader, recovering an AK-49 rifle, two magazines, 60 rounds of live ammunition, and ₦3 million suspected to be ransom proceeds.

Based on intelligence gathered from the suspect, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command launched a follow-up raid on March 4, 2025, targeting a known bandit hideout in Kwasau Forest, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, where his gang, led by Abdu Musa, alias “Kanabaro,” had set up a stronghold.

However, as the police raided the hideout, armed bandits ambushed the officers in an attempt 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 stated.

Trail of Crimes and Terror Links

Dogo Saleh had a long history of criminal activities, including the abduction of a police officer’s family and the killing of two security personnel during an attack on Kujama Market, Kaduna, on January 5, 2025.

Other documented attacks linked to him include:

• Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA (two years ago) – Two individuals, including a security officer, kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira. The officer was later killed.
• Kike Village (one year ago) – A security officer’s wife kidnapped. Millions of naira ransom collected.
• Bagada Village (five months ago) – Three individuals kidnapped. Millions of naira ransom collected.
• Village near Kaduna Refinery (one year ago) – Two men kidnapped. Millions of naira ransom collected.
• Karuga Village, Chikun LGA (one year ago) – One person kidnapped. Millions of naira ransom collected.
• Bagado Village, Chikun LGA (eleven months ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira.
• Dan-Bushiya Village (two years ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira.

Adeh also disclosed that Saleh’s gang was linked to the Ansaru terrorist group, aiding them in procuring weapons. She added that multiple gang leaders—including Boka (overall commander), Sharmi (deputy), and Gudan (sub-camp operator)—had been eliminated in separate operations.

Police Vow to Track Down Fleeing Bandits

Adeh confirmed that the bandits’ hideout was successfully dislodged, with one officer sustaining minor injuries, who has since been treated and discharged.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended his officers for their bravery and tactical efficiency, assuring residents that operations are ongoing to track down the remaining gang members.

He urged the public to report suspicious activities through the police emergency lines, emphasizing the force’s commitment to security and public safety.