Police kill ‘notorious kidnapper’ in Abuja, recover weapons

The federal capital territory (FCT) police command says it has killed one Salisu Mohammed, popularly known as Dogo Saleh, an alleged notorious kidnapper, in the nation’s capital. 

A statement on Wednesday by Josephine Adeh, FCT police spokesperson, said the suspect was killed on March 3 after he attempted to evade arrest during an operation.

The police said Dogo Saleh is responsible for criminal operations along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway and in Abuja.

“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 reads.

“In a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation, FCT Police operatives neutralized 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.”

Adeh noted that the 21-year-old suspect from Baban Saural village in Chikun LGA of Kaduna was identified as a notorious hitman for bandit leaders operating in Rijana Forest, and has terrorised communities along major highways.

The police spokesperson said the operatives recovered an AK-49 rifle with two magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and N3 million cash proceeds from previous kidnappings.

She noted that the suspect was involved in several high-profile crimes including the 2023 attack on Kyauta Village in Chikun LGA, where two individuals, including a security officer, was kidnapped and killed after a N1 million ransom was paid, among others.

“Further investigations revealed his direct involvement in several high-profile kidnappings and killings, including — Kike village (one year ago) – a security officer’s wife kidnapped. Ransom collected — millions of naira; Bagada Village (five months ago) – three individuals kidnapped. Ransom collected — millions of naira,” Adeh added.

“A village near Kaduna refinery (one year ago) – two men kidnapped. Ransom collected —millions of naira; Karuga village, Chikun LGA (one year ago) – One person kidnapped. Ransom collected — millions of naira.

“Bagado Village in Chikun LGA (eleven months ago) – ransom collected — millions of naira; Dan-Bushiya Village (two years ago) – ransom collected — millions of naira; kidnapping of a woman and her two children at police quarters in Baban Saural, Chikun LGA – 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.”

Adeh added that the suspect has also been linked to the recent kidnapping of a tribal youth leader and demanding Ransome before his release.