Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have eliminated a notorious bandit, Salisu Mohammed, also known as Dogo Saleh, in a decisive counter-kidnapping operation aimed at dismantling a violent criminal syndicate.

According to the police, the gang, which primarily operated along the Kaduna–Lokoja–Enugu highway and within the FCT, posed a major security threat. “This marks a significant breakthrough in our relentless fight against criminal elements terrorizing the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring states,” the Command stated.

On March 3, 2025, acting on credible intelligence regarding bandit movements into the FCT, the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led a strategic operation to cut off their access routes.

Following meticulous tracking, operatives intercepted and arrested Salisu Mohammed at Gidan Abe Forest as he attempted to move towards Bwari Area Council, FCT.

Mohammed, a 21-year-old Fulani man from Baban Saural village in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was identified as a notorious hitman working for bandit leaders based in Rijana Forest, Kaduna.

He was involved in numerous kidnappings along major highways, extorting massive ransoms from victims.

During the arrest, he attempted to flee, abandoning his belongings, which included an AK-49 rifle with two magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and ₦3,000,000 in cash—proceeds from previous kidnappings.

Investigations linked Mohammed to several high-profile kidnappings and killings, including: The abduction of two individuals, including a security officer, at Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA, two years ago.

He was also linked to a ransom of millions of Naira was paid, but the officer was later killed.

The kidnapping of a security officer’s wife at Kike Village a year ago, with a ransom of millions of naira collected.

He was also suspected in the abduction of three individuals at Bagada Village five months ago, with another multi-million naira ransom extorted and many more.

However on March 4, 2025, at approximately 11:14 p.m., security operatives launched a follow-up operation based on intelligence gathered from the arrested suspect. Mohammed led the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to Kwasau Forest in Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, where his gang, under Abdu Musa (alias Kanabaro), maintained a stronghold.

Upon arrival, the police team was ambushed by heavily armed bandits attempting to free Mohammed. A fierce gun battle ensued, with officers displaying superior tactical skills. The criminals were eventually overpowered and forced to flee with severe gunshot wounds.

During the crossfire, Mohammed sustained fatal gunshot wounds inflicted by his own gang members. He was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The police successfully dismantled the gang’s hideout. One officer from the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit sustained minor injuries and has since been treated and discharged.

FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, commended the operatives for their bravery, professionalism, and tactical efficiency.

He reassured residents that operations were ongoing to track down fleeing gang members and dismantle all criminal networks operating in the region.