FCT Police Kill Wanted Kidnapper Dogo Saleh | Criminal Syndicate Dismantled

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully neutralized a notorious bandit, Salisu Mohammed, widely known as Dogo Saleh. This milestone was achieved through a strategic counter-kidnapping operation aimed at dismantling a criminal syndicate responsible for several violent crimes in the region.

Major Victory Against Banditry in the FCT

According to police reports, Dogo Saleh’s gang had been responsible for numerous kidnappings and armed attacks along the Kaduna–Lokoja–Enugu highway and within the FCT. His elimination marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against organized crime.

Acting on verified intelligence, the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit executed a well-coordinated mission on March 3, 2025. The operation focused on intercepting the movement of bandits into the FCT.

During the mission, police operatives successfully tracked and apprehended Saleh at Gidan Abe Forest while he attempted to infiltrate Bwari Area Council. The 21-year-old Fulani suspect, originally from Baban Saural village in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, had been a key hitman for top bandit leaders operating in Rijana Forest.

Seized Weapons and Cash From Criminal Activities

Upon his capture, Saleh attempted to escape but was subdued. The police recovered:

One AK-49 rifle
Two loaded magazines
60 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition
N3,000,000 in cash, suspected to be ransom money from previous kidnappings

Extensive Criminal History Uncovered

Further investigations linked Saleh to multiple high-profile kidnappings and violent attacks:

Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA (Two years ago): Kidnapped two victims, including a security officer, and collected millions of naira in ransom. The officer was later killed.
Kike Village (One year ago): Abducted a security officer’s wife and extorted millions of naira in ransom.
Bagada Village (Five months ago): Kidnapped three individuals, demanding large ransom payments.
Kaduna Refinery Vicinity (One year ago): Abducted two victims and collected millions of naira.
Karuga Village, Chikun LGA (One year ago): Kidnapped a victim and extorted a hefty ransom.
Bagado Village (Eleven months ago): Executed mass kidnappings, collecting millions in ransom.
Dan-Bushiya Village (Two years ago): Led multiple abductions for ransom.
Police Quarters, Baban Saural: Kidnapped a woman and her two children, who remain in captivity.
Kujama Market Attack (January 5, 2025): Led an attack on a security outpost, killing two officers and stealing firearms.

Elimination of Key Gang Members

Saleh’s gang, led by the infamous Kanaboro, included several high-profile criminals, some of whom were recently neutralized:

Boka – The overall commander
Sharmi – Deputy leader
Dogo Isa – Senior assistant
Gudan – Head of sub-camps where victims were held

The gang operated under the authority of Dogo Gide, a known terrorist, and had affiliations with the Ansaru terrorist group, which supplied them with arms and ammunition.

Final Operation and Fatal Crossfire

On March 4, 2025, leveraging intelligence from the arrested suspect, operatives launched a follow-up operation targeting the gang’s stronghold in Kwasau Forest, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State.

Upon arrival, the police team faced an ambush from armed bandits attempting to rescue Saleh. A fierce gun battle ensued, forcing the criminals to retreat with severe gunshot wounds. During the crossfire, Saleh sustained fatal injuries inflicted by his own gang. He was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

The police successfully dismantled the bandits’ hideout. One officer sustained minor injuries and has since been discharged.

FCT Police Commissioner Reaffirms Commitment to Security

Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, commended the operatives for their bravery, professionalism, and strategic execution of the operation. He assured FCT residents that security forces remain committed to tracking and apprehending the remaining gang members and dismantling all criminal networks operating in the region.

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