A 21-year-old bandit leader, Salisu Mohammed, also known as Dogo Saleh, has been killed by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit during a covert operation.
According to a statement from Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police spokesperson Josephine Adeh, the operation was based on intelligence reports about Mohammed’s criminal activities along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway.
Some of his gang members were also arrested during the raid.
Adeh disclosed that the gang, known for operating in the Rijana Forest area of Kaduna State, has been linked to multiple kidnappings and murders along the highway.
Security forces intercepted Dogo at Gidan Abe Forest on March 3 as he attempted to move toward Bwari Area Council in the FCT.
During the operation, officers recovered an AK-49 rifle, two magazines, 60 rounds of live ammunition, and N3 million, suspected to be ransom money.
A follow-up operation led the police to the bandits’ hideout in Kwasau Forest, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where another gang leader, Abdu Musa, also known as Kanabaro, controlled the camp.
When security forces arrived at the hideout, the gang ambushed them in an attempt to free their leader.
However, the police countered with superior firepower, forcing the bandits to flee with gunshot wounds.
During the exchange, Mohammed sustained gunshot injuries, reportedly inflicted by his own gang in the crossfire.
He was taken to Kubwa General Hospital, where doctors confirmed his death.
Adeh further revealed that the gang had strong ties with the Ansaru terrorist group, particularly in arms procurement.
The police successfully dismantled the hideout, and although an inspector from the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit sustained minor injuries, he has since been treated and discharged.