In it bid to rid the Abuja of criminal al sorts crimes and criminals, the FCT Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its relentless fight against criminal elements terrorizing the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring states. 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.

This was disclosed in a statement issued to newsmen by the Command Spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh on Wednesday in Abuja.

On March 3, 2025, acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of bandits into the FCT, the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led operatives to block their access routes. After meticulous tracking, the operatives successfully intercepted and arrested Salisu Mohammed at Gidan Abe Forest while he was en route to Bwari Area Council, FCT.

Salisu Mohammed, a 21-year-old Fulani man from Baban Saural village, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was identified as a notorious hitman for bandit leaders operating in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State. He had terrorized communities along major highways, kidnapping unsuspecting victims and extorting huge ransoms.

During the operation, he attempted to evade capture, abandoning his possessions, which included:
– An AK-49 rifle with two magazines
– 60 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition
– N3,000,000 cash proceeds from previous kidnappings

Further investigations revealed his direct involvement in several high-profile kidnappings and killings, including:

1. Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA (two years ago) – Two individuals, including a security officer, kidnapped. Ransom collected: Millions of Naira The officer was later killed.
2. Kike Village (one year ago) – A security officer’s wife kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira.
3. Bagada Village (five months ago) – Three individuals kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira.
4. Village near Kaduna Refinery (one year ago) – Two men kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira.
5. Karuga Village, Chikun LGA (one year ago) – One person kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira.
6. Bagado Village, Chikun LGA (eleven months ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira.
7. Dan-Bushiya Village (two years ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira.
8. Kidnapping of a woman and her two children at Police Quarters in Baban Saural, Chikun LGA – The officer and her children remain in captivity.
9. Attack on security outpost at Kujama Market, Kaduna (January 5, 2025) – Two security personnel killed, firearms stolen.

Salisu Mohammed and his gang were actively involved in kidnapping motorists along the Lokoja-Enugu highway. Led by his gang leader, Kanaboro, alongside Saleh and Abubakar, they recently kidnapped a tribal youth leader and others, collecting ransom before their release.

Leadership:
– Boka – Overall commander (now deceased)
– Sharmi (surname unknown) – Deputy
– Dogo Isa – Assistant (now deceased)
– Gudan – Assistant
Each of them operated a sub-camp in the forest.

Connection with Terrorists:

The gang is loyal to Dogo Gide and collaborates with the Ansaru terrorist group for arms and ammunition supply.

On March 4, 2025, at approximately 11:14 PM, leveraging intelligence provided by the arrested suspect, operatives launched a high-risk follow-up operation to dismantle his gang. The suspect led the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to Kwasau Forest, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, where his gang, led by one Abdu Musa, alias “Kanabaro,” had established a major hideout.

Upon arrival, the Police team was ambushed by armed bandits attempting to free the suspect. 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.

The Police recovered:

– An AK-47 rifle with a scratched-out breech number
– One magazine with two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition

The bandits’ hideout was successfully dislodged.

One officer, Inspector of the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, sustained minor injuries and has since been treated and discharged. No other casualties were recorded.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Olatunji Disu, has commended the officers involved in the operation for their bravery, professionalism, and tactical efficiency. He assured residents that operations are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing gang members and dismantle all criminal networks operating within the region.

He further reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging citizens to remain vigilant and support law enforcement efforts by providing timely and actionable intelligence.

The FCT Police Command urges members of the public to report any suspicious activities, individuals with gunshot wounds, or movements of criminal elements to the nearest police station. Citizens can also reach out through the following emergency lines:

– 08032003913
– 08028940883
– 07057337653
– Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

There are strong indications that  Senate will again, be meeting with the security chiefs next week in Abuja over the heightened insecurity in some parts of the country.

The security chiefs expected to meet with the Red Chamber include the Chiefs of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa; Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede; Naval Staff, Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; and the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall Hassan Abubakar.

Others are the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Directors-General, Department of State Services, DSS, Adeola Ajayi; National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Mohammed Mohammed.

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio announced this on Tuesday while commenting on a motion titled::”Urgent need for the Federal Government to deploy troops to immediately restore law and order in Gwer-West Local Government of Benue State” over incessant attacks and killings in the area by suspected herdsmen sponsored by Senator Titus Zam representing Benue North West Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

The Senate, in its resolutions, urged the security agencies to restore law and order in Gwer-West Local Government Area and other parts under threats of insecurity with immediate effect while the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs should send relief materials to the affected communities.

It also enjoined the Benue State government to enforce the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law with a view to restoring peace in the state.

The upper legislative chamber equally mandated the its Committees on Defence; National Security and Intelligence; Livestock Development; and Agriculture to visit Gwer-West Local Government Area and have a first-hand assessment of the situation in sympathy with the bereaved families and all those affected by the crises and also to expedite action on the Open Grazing Prohibition Bill for its quick passage into law.

Earlier while presenting the motion, Senator Zam informed that “the peace loving people of Gyaruwa community in Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State were invaded by bandits masquerading as herders on Monday, 10th March, 2025 resulting in the killing of four persons.”

This development, he added forced irate youths to storm the streets in protest against the continued killing of the people amid seeming inability of the government to protect them.

Senator Zam noted that “the youths in anger and frustration burnt down the Gwer-West Local Government Secretariat, the palace of the paramount ruler of the local government, my private residence and houses of other prominent sons in the area, accusing us of inability to safeguard the community.”

The All Progressives Congress, APC lawmaker recalled that he had on several occasions moved motions and presented bills on this subject matter including Bill on Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment, which is awaiting public hearing.

Senator Zam added that the Benue State House of Assembly had enacted Open Grazing Prohibition Law which still subsists, but lamented that the manifest inability of the present administration in the state to enforce the law has exposed members of the National Assembly to undue pressure and name calling by their constituents, noting that “this situation has emboldened the bandits and further worsened the security situation in Benue State.”

He, however, warned that the incessant attacks by bandits on Gyaruwa community in Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State will significantly impact
food production and agricultural activities, jeopardizing food security and livelihoods of the people in the affected local government area.