By Sarah NEGEDU
An attempt to free a notorious bandit leader, Salisu Mohammed, has led to his death at the Kwasau Forest, in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The notorious kidnapper, known in the underworld as Dogo Saleh, was leading operatives of FCT Police Command to his hideout in the forest before they were ambushed.
In what may be described as poetic justice, the Dogo Saleh was reportedly gun down during a cross fire between police and gunmen believed to be his gang members.
The command, in a statement on Wednesday, said the 21-year-old bandit leader was earlier arrested at Gidan Abe Forest on March 3, while on his way to Bwari Area Council, FCT.
Dogo Saleh is identified as a hitman for criminal gangs operating in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State, had been responsible for multiple kidnappings and killings along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway.
Spokesperson of the command, Josephine Adeh, disclosed in the statement that an AK-49 rifle, two magazines, 60 rounds of live ammunition, and N3 million suspected to be ransom proceeds, were recovered from the suspect during the covert operation that led to his arrest.
After gathering information from the arrested suspect, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command launched a follow-up raid on March 4, 2025, at a known bandit hideout in Kwasau Forest, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, where his gang, led by one Abdu Musa, alias “Kanabaro,” had established a major hideout.
She noted that operatives were ambushed by armed bandits attempting to free 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.
Some of the crimes linked to Dogo Saleh, includes the abduction of a police officer’s family and the killing of two security personnel in a January 5, 2025, attack at Kujama Market, Kaduna.
“Other attacks linked to Dogo Saleh include: Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA (two years ago) – Two individuals, including a security officer, were kidnapped. Ransom collected: Millions of Naira The officer was later killed. Kike Village (one year ago) – A security officer’s wife was 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 and Dan-Bushiya Village (two years ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira, “ she stated.
Adeh also said his gang was also known for working with the Ansaru terrorist group to procure weapons.
She stated that Boka, the overall commander; Sharmi (surname unknown), Deputy; Dogo Saleh, assistant; and Gudan, an assistant who operated a sub-camp in the forest, 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.
Adeh said the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, praised the officers for their bravery and assured residents of ongoing operations to capture fleeing gang members.
