The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against crime, successfully neutralizing one of the region's most notorious kidnappers, Salisu Mohammed, alias “Dogo Saleh.”
In a highly coordinated intelligence-led operation on March 3, 2025, officers of the FCT Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit apprehended Mohammed, a notorious bandit responsible for terrorizing the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway. The operation took place in Gidan Abe Forest, where Mohammed was intercepted while attempting to flee towards Bwari Area Council in the FCT.
Mohammed, a 21-year-old from Baban Saural village, Kaduna, was a known hitman for several bandit leaders operating in the Rijana Forest. His criminal activities involved kidnapping unsuspecting travelers and extorting large ransoms. The police operation, however, was not without a fight. When the officers closed in on his location, the suspect and his gang opened fire in a desperate attempt to escape. The ensuing gun battle led to the arrest of Mohammed and four other suspects, while one suspect was fatally injured.
During the operation, police recovered several key items, including an AK-49 rifle, a G3 rifle, a pump-action shotgun, and N3 million in cash from the suspect’s hideout. Further investigations revealed that Mohammed had been involved in numerous high-profile kidnappings and killings across Kaduna State and the FCT.
Some of his infamous criminal exploits include the abductions in Kyauta Village, Kike Village, Bagada Village, and several other locations. His gang had been terrorizing motorists along the Lokoja-Enugu highway and collaborating with notorious terrorist group Ansaru to supply weapons.
Following Mohammed's arrest, police launched a follow-up operation to dismantle his gang. The operation, which took place on March 4, 2025, in Kwasau Forest, Kaduna, saw the police ambushed by Mohammed’s fellow gang members. However, with superior tactics, the police overpowered the ambush, and the gang members were forced to flee, with Mohammed ultimately succumbing to gunshot wounds from his own comrades during the crossfire.
The operation has been hailed as a significant victory for the FCT Police, with no other casualties recorded, although one officer sustained minor injuries. The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Olatunji Disu, praised the officers for their bravery and professionalism, while also assuring the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining gang members.
Residents are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local police stations or emergency lines. The FCT Police continue to work tirelessly to rid the region of criminal elements and ensure the safety of its citizens.
