The Federal Capital Territory Police Command says it has achieved significant milestones in its fight against crime, dismantling notorious networks and disrupting illicit activities in the territory and adjoining states.
The command said that targeted operations led to the successful neutralization of high-profile criminals, notably Salisu Mohammed, also known as “Dogo Saleh,” a prominent member of a violent crime syndicate that targeted major highways and areas within the FCT.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said in a statement sent to Persecondnews on Wednesday that operatives from the anti-kidnapping unit, acting on credible intelligence, successfully intercepted and blocked the access routes of suspected bandits attempting to infiltrate the FCT.
The statement reads: “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 million cash proceeds from previous kidnappings”
According to the spokesperson, following the arrest of a suspect, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched a follow-up raid on March 4, 2025, targeting a notorious bandit hideout in Kwasau Forest, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, led by Abdu Musa, also known as “Kanabaro”.
She said: “Our operatives were ambushed by armed bandits attempting to free their leader. They 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 Dogo Saleh was linked to several criminal activities, including the abduction of a police officer’s family and the murder of two security personnel during a violent attack at Kujama Market, Kaduna, on January 5, 2025.
The statement added: “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.”
Adeh stated that Dogo Saleh’s gang had notorious ties with the Ansaru terrorist group, collaborating with them to acquire weapons.
According to her, the command had successfully neutralized key members of the gang, including Boka, the overall commander, Sharmi, his deputy, Dogo Saleh, an assistant commander, and Gudan, who operated a sub-camp in the forest, all of whom were eliminated in separate operations.
She added: “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.”
Adeh said the FCT Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu, praised the officers for their bravery and assured residents of ongoing operations to capture fleeing gang members.
He urged the public to report suspicious activities via police emergency lines.
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