Salisu Mohammed, a 21-year-old notorious bandit leader has been killed by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
Mohammed, popularly as Dogo Saleh was killed during a covert operation by operatives of the Force who acted on intelligence reports over his activities along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway.
A statement by Josephine Adeh, the Federal Capital Territory command spokesperson said some gang members of Dogo were also arrested during the operation.
Adeh said the gang, notorious for operating around the Rijana Forest, Kaduna State, are also responsible for multiple kidnappings and killings along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway.
She said Dogo was intercepted by security operatives at Gidan Abe Forest on March 3, while he was moving towards Bwari Area Council, FCT.
She added that during the encounter, an AK-49 rifle, two magazines, 60 rounds of live ammunition, and N3m suspected to be ransom proceeds were recovered from the bandit leader.
She also said that a follow-up raid led the operatives of the Anti-kidnapping Unit to the bandits’ hideout in Kwasau Forest, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State.
At the location, one Abdu Musa, alias “Kanabaro,” who is also another bandit leader controls the hideout.
According to Adeh, the operatives were ambushed by the bandits who tried to free their leader.
“The operatives swiftly engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, displaying superior tactical expertise and resilience. The bandits were ultimately overpowered and forced to flee into the forest with severe gunshot wounds.
“The suspect sustained fatal gunshot wounds inflicted by his own gang during the crossfire. He was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead,” Adeh stated.
She added that Dogo’s gang are known to have a strong link with the Ansaru terrorist group, especially for the procurement of weapons.
She said, “The bandits’ hideout was successfully dislodged. One officer, the Inspector of the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, sustained minor injuries and has since been treated and discharged. No other casualties were recorded.”
