A 21-year-old notorious bandit leader, Salisu Mohammed, popularly known as Dogo Saleh, has been killed by his own gang members during a rescue attempt.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Federal Capital Territory Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, Dogo Saleh was arrested by police operatives on March 3, while he was en route to Bwari Area Council, FCT.
Dogo Saleh was identified as a hitman for criminal gangs operating in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State, and was responsible for multiple kidnappings and killings along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway. Some of his notable crimes include:
– *Kidnapping and Killing of Security Personnel*: Dogo Saleh was responsible for the abduction of a police officer’s family and the killing of two security personnel in a January 5, 2025, attack at Kujama Market, Kaduna.
– *Multiple Kidnappings*: He was also linked to several kidnappings in various villages, including Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA, Kike Village, Bagada Village, and Karuga Village, among others.
– *Terrorist Ties*: Dogo Saleh’s gang was also known to have ties with the Ansaru terrorist group, which they worked with to procure weapons.
After his arrest, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command launched a follow-up raid on March 4, 2025, at a known bandit hideout in Kwasau Forest, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State. However, the operatives were ambushed by armed bandits attempting to free their leader. During the crossfire, Dogo Saleh sustained fatal gunshot wounds inflicted by his own gang. He was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, 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.
The death of Dogo Saleh is seen as a significant blow to the banditry and kidnapping operations in Nigeria. His gang was responsible for numerous attacks and kidnappings, causing fear and insecurity among the population. The Nigerian government has been working to combat the rising insecurity in the country, and the death of Dogo Saleh is a welcome development in this effort.
The fight against terrorism and banditry requires international cooperation. The Nigerian government has been working with international partners to share intelligence and best practices in combating these threats. The death of Dogo Saleh demonstrates the importance of this cooperation and the need for continued collaboration to address these security challenges.