By Augustine Ehikioya
Forging ahead in its relentless fight against criminal elements terrorising the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighboring States, the FCT Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough by neutralising a notorious bandit, Salisu Mohammed, alias “Dogo Saleh,”
The Police recorded the latest achievement through a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation by FCT Police operatives, following an intense counter-kidnapping operation aimed at dismantling a syndicate responsible for violent crimes along Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway and within the FCT.
A statement by SP Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Abuja, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), said “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.
“Salisu Mohammed, a 21-year-old Fulani 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, the statement said, he attempted to evade capture, abandoning his possessions, which included:
– An AK-49 rifle with two magazines
– 60 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition
– N3,000,000 cash proceeds from previous kidnappings
“Further investigations revealed his direct involvement in several high-profile kidnappings and killings, including:
“1. Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA (two years ago) – Two individuals, including a Security Officer, kidnapped. Ransom collected: Millions of Naira, yet the officer was later killed.
“2. Kike Village (one year ago) – A security officer’s wife kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira.
“3. Bagada Village (five months ago) – Three individuals kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira.
4. Village near Kaduna Refinery (one year ago) – Two men kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira.
“5. Karuga Village, Chikun LGA (one year ago) – One person kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira.
6. Bagado Village, Chikun LGA (eleven months ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira.
“7. Dan-Bushiya Village (two years ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira.
8. Kidnapping of a woman and her two children at Police Quarters in Baban Saural, Chikun LGA – The officer and her children remain in captivity.
9. Attack on security outpost at Kujama Market, Kaduna (January 5, 2025) – Two security personnel killed, firearms stolen.”
Salisu Mohammed and his gang, the statement noted, 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 p.m., 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 Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Olatunji Disu, the statement said, has commended the officers involved in the operation for their bravery, professionalism, and tactical efficiency.
He 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.
The FCT Police Command urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities, individuals with gunshot wounds, or movements of criminal elements to the nearest police station. Citizens can also reach out through the following emergency lines:
– 08032003913
– 08028940883
– 07057337653
– Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192
