Notorious bandit kingpin, Dogo Saleh, killed by his gang in attempt to rescue him —Police

The FCT Police Command has confirmed the death of a notorious bandit leader, Salisu Mohammed, popularly known as Dogo Saleh, who was killed by members of his gang who had engaged security operatives in a gun battle in a bid to rescue him following his arrest.

Spokesperson for the Command, Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Wednesday, said the 21-year-old bandit kingpin who was earlier arrested by operatives of FCT Police Command,
had been identified as a hitman for criminal gangs operating in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State, and was responsible for multiple kidnappings and killings along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway.

Adeh stated that acting on superior intelligence, the police conducted a covert operation to intercept Dogo Saleh at Gidan Abe Forest on March 3, while he was en route to 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 N3m suspected to be ransom proceeds,” she said.

“After gathering enough evidence 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.

“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.

She further listed some criminal activities linked to Dogo Saleh, saying he was responsible for 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.

The police image maker added that Saleh’s gang was also known for working with the Ansaru terrorist group to procure weapons.

“The gang comprised of 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.

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