Dogo Saleh, a notorious kidnapper who had been terrorizing locals and tourists, has been eliminated by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command operations.
The wanted bandit was apprehended after a vigorous counter-kidnapping operation that aimed to dismantle a syndicate that was responsible for violent crimes along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway and within the Federal Capital Territory, according to a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
Residents were reassured by the PPRO that the command is still dedicated to removing hazards to public safety in the Federal Capital Territory and its surrounding states.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
Along major highways, he had terrorized communities by kidnapping innocent people and demanding enormous ransoms.
He tried to avoid being apprehended during the operation by leaving behind items such as an AK-49 rifle with two magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and N3,000,000 in cash from earlier kidnappings.
The FCT PPRO added that investigations showed the thugs were directly involved in a number of high-profile kidnappings and murders, such as the one that occurred in Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA, two years ago, in which two people, including a security guard, were abducted and killed after a ransom of millions of Naira was paid.
“Kike Village (one year ago) – A security officer’s wife 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. Dan-Bushiya Village (two years ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira. 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 killed, firearms 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,” the PPRO noted.
Adeh stated 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.
Residents were reassured by the CP that efforts are being made to find and capture the gang members who are escaping and to destroy any criminal networks that are active in the area.
In addition, he reaffirmed the Command’s steadfast dedication to protecting people and property, and he urged everyone to maintain their vigilance and assist law enforcement by contributing timely and useful intelligence.
The public is urged by the FCT Police Command to notify the local police station of any suspicious activity, people who have been shot, or movements of criminal elements. The following emergency numbers are also available to the public: 08032003913, 08028940883, and 07057337653. 08107314192 is the Complaint Response Unit.
