Notorious Kidnapper Killed In Failed Rescue Attempt In Kaduna State.
A notorious kidnapper, Salisu Mohammed, widely known by his alias Dogo Saleh, has been killed in Kwassau Forest, located in the Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The incident occurred during a failed rescue operation mounted by armed bandits, marking a significant breakthrough in the ongoing battle against criminality in the region.
The confrontation unfolded late on 4 March 2025, when security operatives launched an operation aimed at capturing another infamous bandit leader, Abdu Musa, alias Kanabaro, known for terrorising travellers along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway. However, as the security forces advanced into the dense Kwassau Forest around 11:00 PM, they were ambushed by a group of bandits believed to be associates of Kanabaro.
During the ensuing firefight, Salisu Mohammed, a key figure in the region’s kidnapping syndicates, was fatally wounded. His death is being hailed as a major victory for security forces, who have been working tirelessly to dismantle the criminal networks plaguing Kaduna State and its environs.
Mohammed, who had been a thorn in the side of law enforcement, was apprehended earlier this year on 9 January 2025 in Gidan Abe, Kagarko LGA, while travelling along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway towards Bwari Area Council. Following his arrest, he confessed to orchestrating numerous abductions along the Lokoja-Abuja Highway, revealing that his gang, consisting of nearly 100 heavily armed fighters, frequently targeted motorists. His capture had been described as a critical step forward in curbing the rampant banditry in the area.
A spokesperson for the operation, Makama, praised the bravery of the security operatives involved in the clash. “This is a testament to the relentless efforts of our forces to restore peace and safety to Kaduna State,” he said. “The death of Dogo Saleh sends a clear message to other criminals that their days are numbered.”
One officer, Inspector Suleiman Adamu of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, sustained minor injuries during the skirmish but has since been treated and discharged from medical care. In the wake of the incident, security forces have ramped up patrols and surveillance across Kagarko LGA and along major highways in a bid to track down the remaining bandits who fled the scene.
The operation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian authorities in combating banditry and kidnapping, which have plagued the northwest region for years. Local residents expressed cautious optimism at the news of Mohammed’s demise, with many hoping it signals a turning point in the fight against crime.
As of today, 5 March 2025, efforts to apprehend Abdu Musa and his associates remain ongoing, with security forces vowing to leave no stone unturned in their mission to bring peace to the troubled region. For now, the death of Salisu Mohammed, alias Dogo Saleh, stands as a glimmer of hope amid the struggle to reclaim safety and security in Kaduna State.
