Police Gun Down 21-Year-Old Notorious Kidnapper ‘Dogo Saleh’ In Abuja
It was learnt that the suspect identified as a hitman for bandit leaders in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State was neutralised during a counter-kidnapping operation aimed at dismantling a violent syndicate terrorising the FCT and neighbouring states.
A21-year-old notorious kidnapper, identified as Salisu Mohammed, alias “Dogo Saleh” has been reportedly neutralised by the police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
It was learnt that the suspect identified as a hitman for bandit leaders in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State was neutralised during a counter-kidnapping operation aimed at dismantling a violent syndicate terrorising the FCT and neighbouring states.
The FCT Police Command Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, made this known in statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the operatives intercepted and arrested Mohammed on March 3, 2025, at Gidan Abe Forest while he was en route to Bwari Area Council.
She explained that the suspect was responsible for multiple kidnappings and ransom extortions along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway.
The police added that investigations linked Mohammed to several high-profile abductions, including attacks on villages in Kaduna State’s Chikun Local Government Area, where security personnel and civilians were kidnapped and killed.
“The FCT Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its relentless fight against criminal elements terrorising the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring 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.
“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 terrorized communities along major highways, kidnapping unsuspecting victims and extorting huge ransoms.
“During the operation, he attempted to evade capture, abandoning his possessions, which included: An AK-49 rifle with two magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and N3,000,000 cash proceeds from previous kidnappings.
“Further investigations revealed his direct involvement in several high-profile kidnappings and killings, including: 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. Ransom collected: millions of naira; Bagada Village (five months ago) – Three individuals kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira.
Others are: 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 and 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) and Gudan – Assistant. Each of them operated a sub-camp in the forest.”
