ABUJA, Nigeria – A 21-year-old notorious kidnapper, Salisu Mohammed, alias Dogo Saleh, has been neutralised by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command during a counter-kidnapping operation aimed at dismantling a violent syndicate terrorising the FCT and neighbouring states.
The suspect, identified as a hitman for bandit leaders operating in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State, was intercepted and arrested on March 3, 2025, at Gidan Abe Forest while en route to Bwari Area Council.
The FCT Police Command Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that Mohammed was responsible for multiple kidnappings and ransom extortions along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway.
“The FCT Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its relentless fight against criminal elements terrorising the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states,” Adeh said.
“In a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation, FCT Police operatives neutralised a notorious bandit, Salisu Mohammed, alias ‘Dogo Saleh,’ following an intense counter-kidnapping operation aimed at dismantling a syndicate responsible for violent crimes along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway and within the FCT.”
According to the statement, Mohammed, a Fulani man from Baban Saural village in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was a key figure in a gang that kidnapped motorists and extorted millions of naira in ransom.
During the operation, he attempted to evade capture, abandoning an AK-49 rifle with two magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and N3,000,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from previous kidnappings.
Investigations revealed Mohammed’s involvement in several high-profile kidnappings and killings, including attacks on villages in Kaduna State’s Chikun Local Government Area.
Mohammed and his gang, led by a man identified as Kanaboro, alongside Saleh and Abubakar, were also active in kidnapping motorists along the Lokoja-Enugu highway.
They recently abducted a tribal youth leader and others, collecting ransom before their release.
The FCT Police Command commended the efforts of its operatives and reiterated its commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of residents.
“We remain steadfast in our resolve to dismantle criminal networks and bring perpetrators to justice,” Adeh said.
The neutralisation of Mohammed marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against kidnapping and banditry in the region, but authorities have warned that the fight is far from over.
