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The Special Tactical Squad–Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) of the Nigeria Police Force has neutralised a wanted suspected bandit kingpin, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as “Acid”, during a gun battle in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, August 6, 2026, was conducted by operatives of the STS-FID led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, following the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu.
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Ani Iniedu, who disclosed this in a statement, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to apprehend those allegedly responsible for the killing of the traditional ruler of Ochia Kingdom, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I, his security guards and other persons.
According to the statement, the operatives stormed the hideout of “Acid” in Ohaji/Egbema at about 1:30 a.m. on August 6, following intelligence on his whereabouts.
However, the suspect allegedly opened fire on the operatives when he sighted them, prompting a gun battle that lasted several hours. The police said the operatives eventually neutralised “Acid” during the encounter.
One AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were reportedly recovered from the scene, while other members of the gang escaped into the surrounding forest during the operation.
Preliminary investigation, according to the police, indicated that “Acid” was allegedly the leader of a criminal group linked to several killings and other violent crimes in Ohaji/Egbema and neighbouring communities between 2024 and 2026.
The Force said investigations were ongoing to establish the full activities of the group and the roles allegedly played by its members in the various crimes.
Before the latest operation, STS-FID operatives had reportedly arrested four suspects and neutralised two other alleged members of the group.
One of those previously arrested was identified as Chinwendo Mirabe, also known as “K2”. The police said information obtained following the arrest of K2 indicated that “Acid” allegedly killed Emeka Ebere Nwaele on May 12, 2026, after suspecting that the deceased had provided information that assisted the police in arresting one of his gang members.
The Force said the allegation was being investigated as part of the wider probe into the activities of the group.
The police also said the group had been linked to several other killings recorded between 2024 and 2026.
Those named in the investigation include Chikaire Domandu, also known as “Asari”, who was reportedly killed in October 2024; Chimezie Uchenna and Ezeugo Umah, who were allegedly killed around the same period; Domandu and Uma, who were reportedly killed in the first week of December 2024; Ibo Sunday, reportedly killed in June 2025; and Nwaugo Ngozi, popularly known as “Igbo”, who was reportedly killed in May 2025.
The police said other killings and violent incidents allegedly linked to the group were also under investigation.
The group is further being investigated over an attack on the business premises of one Mr ThankGod Terry on July 10, 2026.
According to the police, the shop was allegedly set ablaze during the attack.
The Force said investigators were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the roles allegedly played by members of the group.
It stressed that all information gathered so far remained subject to investigation and verification.
The police also linked the group to the April 10, 2026 killing of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five other persons.
The victims were killed along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State.
The monarch was said to have returned to Nigeria after spending about five years in the United States and was allegedly invited to a meeting at Ochia.
He was reportedly attacked while returning towards Owerri.
The other victims were identified as Amadi Uchechukwu Emmanuel, a traditional leader of Achia; Onyivara Maduabuchi Jornadad, a cabinet chief of Ochia; Gift Broaddic; Abraham Lincoln; and Otor Benjamin.
The police said investigations had identified “Acid” as the suspected leader of the criminal group allegedly linked to the attack.
The Nigeria Police Force assured residents of Ohaji/Egbema and the general public that investigations would continue until all those found to have participated in the alleged crimes were brought to justice.
The Force also vowed to intensify efforts to arrest members of the group who escaped into the forest during the operation.
It urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the police in tracking down fleeing suspects and preventing further criminal activities.
The police reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led operations against criminal groups across the country, stressing that the investigation into the activities of the group remains ongoing.
