FCT Police Eliminate Notorious Kidnap Kingpin Dogo Saleh in High-Stakes Operation

Criminal activities in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), police operatives have neutralized a notorious bandit leader, Salisu Mohammed, commonly known as Dogo Saleh. This operation marks a pivotal step in the ongoing efforts to dismantle kidnapping syndicates terrorizing the region.

Acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of bandits into the FCT, the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led operatives to block their access routes. After meticulous tracking, the operatives successfully intercepted and arrested Salisu Mohammed at Gidan Abe Forest while he was en route to Bwari Area Council, FCT.

Salisu 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 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: one AK-49 rifle with two magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and ₦3,000,000 cash proceeds from previous kidnappings.

Further investigations revealed his direct involvement in several high-profile kidnappings and killings, including:

• At Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA (two years ago), two individuals, including a security officer, were kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira, and the officer was later killed.
• At Kike Village (one year ago), he was involved in the kidnap of a security officer’s wife, and collected millions of naira ransom.
• He was involved in the kidnap of three individuals at Bagada Village (five months ago), where millions of naira ransom were collected.
• He was involved in the kidnapping of persons at Bagado Village, Chikun LGA (eleven months ago), and collected millions of naira ransom.
• He was involved in kidnappings at Dan-Bushiya Village (two years ago), and collected millions of naira ransom.
• Furthermore, he was involved in the kidnapping of a woman and her two children at Police Quarters in Baban Saural, Chikun LGA. The officer and her children remain in captivity.
• He was involved in an attack on a security outpost at Kujama Market, Kaduna recently, on January 5, 2025, during which two security personnel were killed and their firearms stolen.

The FCT Police Command’s successful operation against Dogo Saleh underscores their commitment to restoring peace and security in the region. Residents have expressed relief and hope that such decisive actions will deter other criminal elements. The Command reiterated its dedication to safeguarding lives and property, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

This development serves as a reminder of the persistent efforts required to combat organized crime and the importance of community collaboration with security forces to ensure a safer environment for all.