Key Points

• Police killed notorious bandit leader Dogo Saleh in a shootout in Kaduna.
• Saleh was involved in kidnappings, killings, and ransom extortion across Abuja and Kaduna.
• His gang ambushed police attempting to dismantle their hideout, leading to a gun battle.

A deadly shootout between police and a notorious bandit gang has resulted in the death of 21-year-old Dogo Saleh, a leader of a criminal group that terrorized communities in Abuja and Kaduna. Police confirmed that Saleh, born Salisu Mohammed, sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the operation.

Police operation leads to deadly ambush

Authorities arrested Saleh on March 3 after receiving intelligence about bandits infiltrating the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to Abuja police spokesperson Josephine Adeh, officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit set up an operation to block access routes, leading to Saleh’s capture in Gidan Abe forest while he was en route to Bwari Area Council.

Saleh, identified as a hitman for bandit leaders operating in Rijana Forest, Kaduna, had been involved in multiple kidnappings and ransom extortion schemes. Police also recovered an AK-49 rifle, two loaded magazines, and N3 million, suspected to be ransom proceeds.

A deadly confrontation in Kaduna

On March 4, the police attempted to dismantle Saleh’s gang by launching a follow-up operation in Kwasau Forest, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Saleh led officers to the location, but the gang ambushed the team in an attempt to free him. A fierce gun battle ensued, forcing the criminals to retreat into the forest with gunshot wounds.

During the crossfire, Saleh sustained fatal injuries, allegedly from his own gang members. Officers transported him to Kubwa General Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed his death. The police recovered another AK-47 rifle and ammunition from the gang’s hideout. One police inspector sustained minor injuries but was treated and discharged.

Saleh’s criminal history

The police detailed Saleh’s involvement in at least nine violent operations, including kidnappings and killings. He was responsible for the abduction of security personnel, raids on villages, and attacks on security outposts.

His gang frequently targeted highways, kidnapping motorists and extorting large ransoms. In January, Saleh participated in an attack on security operatives at Kujama Market, Kaduna, where two officers were killed, and firearms were stolen.

Links to terrorist groups

Authorities revealed that Saleh’s gang was loyal to notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide and collaborated with the Ansaru terrorist group, an al-Qaeda affiliate operating in Nigeria. The group has supplied arms and ammunition to criminal networks in the region.

Police vow to track remaining gang members

FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended officers for their bravery and assured residents that operations are ongoing to dismantle all criminal networks linked to Saleh’s gang.

“The officers demonstrated tactical efficiency and resilience. We will not relent until we apprehend the remaining criminals,” he said.