The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced the killing of Salisu Mohammed, popularly known as ‘Dogo Saleh,’ a suspected notorious kidnapper, during an operation in Abuja.
In a statement on Wednesday, Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT police, said the suspect was neutralized on March 3 while attempting to evade arrest.
According to the police, Dogo Saleh was responsible for numerous criminal activities along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway and in Abuja.
A Major Breakthrough in Counter-Kidnapping Operations
“The FCT Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its relentless fight against criminal elements terrorizing the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring states,” the statement read.
During a well-coordinated, intelligence-led operation, police operatives successfully neutralized the suspect in an effort to dismantle a syndicate responsible for violent crimes in the region.
Adeh revealed that the 21-year-old suspect, a native of Baban Saural village in Chikun LGA of Kaduna, was a notorious hitman for bandit leaders operating in Rijana Forest. He was known for terrorizing communities along major highways.
Seized Items and Criminal Activities
Police operatives recovered the following items from the suspect:
- An AK-49 rifle with two magazines
- 60 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition
- ₦3 million in cash, identified as proceeds from previous kidnappings
Adeh also disclosed that Saleh was involved in several high-profile crimes, including:
- 2023 Attack on Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA – Two individuals, including a security officer, were kidnapped and later killed after a ₦1 million ransom was paid.
- Kike Village (one year ago) – Kidnapping of a security officer’s wife; ransom collected in millions of naira.
- Bagada Village (five months ago) – Three individuals kidnapped; ransom collected in millions.
- Village near Kaduna Refinery (one year ago) – Two men kidnapped; ransom collected in millions.
- Karuga Village, Chikun LGA (one year ago) – One person kidnapped; ransom collected in millions.
- Bagado Village, Chikun LGA (eleven months ago) – Ransom collected in millions.
- Dan-Bushiya Village (two years ago) – Ransom collected in millions.
- Police Quarters in Baban Saural, Chikun LGA – A woman and her two children kidnapped; the officer and her children remain in captivity.
- Attack on Security Outpost at Kujama Market, Kaduna (January 5, 2025) – Two security personnel killed, firearms stolen.
Additionally, the suspect was linked to the recent kidnapping of a tribal youth leader, for whom a ransom was demanded before release.
The FCT Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to ensuring security and urged the public to report any suspicious activities.
