A notorious 21-year-old bandit leader, Salisu Mohammed, also known as Dogo Saleh, was killed by his own gang members while they attempted to free him from police custody, according to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
Saleh, identified as a hitman for criminal groups operating in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State, was responsible for numerous kidnappings and killings along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the FCT Command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, disclosed that police operatives, acting on intelligence, intercepted and arrested Saleh at Gidan Abe Forest on March 3 while he was en route to the Bwari Area Council, FCT.
“During the initial encounter, police operatives arrested Dogo Saleh, recovering an AK-49 rifle, two magazines, 60 rounds of live ammunition, and ₦3m suspected to be ransom proceeds,” Adeh stated.
Following Saleh’s arrest, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched a follow-up operation on March 4 at a known bandit hideout in Kwasau Forest, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The hideout was controlled by his gang, led by one Abdu Musa, alias “Kanabaro.”
However, as the operatives raided the camp, they were ambushed by armed bandits attempting to rescue 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 said.
She further detailed Saleh’s criminal history, linking him to multiple high-profile kidnappings and murders, including the abduction of a police officer’s family and the killing of two security personnel in a January 5 attack at Kujama Market, Kaduna.
Adeh also revealed that Saleh and his gang had worked with the Ansaru terrorist group to procure weapons. She stated that several of the group’s key figures, including their overall commander Boka, deputy leader Sharmi, and sub-camp operator Gudan, had 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.
Commending the officers for their bravery, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, reassured residents that operations to track down the fleeing gang members were ongoing. He also urged the public to report any suspicious activities using police emergency lines.
