Operatives of the Special Tactical Squad of the Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) of the Nigeria Police Force have killed a suspected bandit kingpin, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as “Acid”, during a gun battle in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The police said an AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the suspect’s hideout after the operation.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said preliminary investigations 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.
He said the operation was carried out in the early hours of August 6 by STS-FID operatives led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, following the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
“At about 1:30 a.m. on August 6, 2026, the operatives stormed the hideout of Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias ‘Acid’, in Ohaji/Egbema. When the suspect saw the police operatives, he opened fire. A gun battle followed and lasted for several hours. The operatives eventually neutralised the suspect,” Iniedu said.
He disclosed that before the latest operation, police operatives had arrested four suspects and neutralised two other members of the group.
One of those arrested was Chinwendo Mirabe, popularly known as “K2”.
According to Iniedu, information obtained following K2’s arrest linked Acid to the killing of Emeka Ebere Nwaele on May 12, 2026. Nwaele was allegedly suspected by the group of providing information that assisted the police in arresting one of its members.
The police said the group was also being investigated over several other killings between 2024 and 2026.
Among the victims were Chikaire Domandu, also known as “Asari”; Chimezie Uchenna; Ezeugo Umah; Ibo Sunday; and Nwaugo Ngozi, popularly known as “Igbo”.
The group was also allegedly involved in an attack on the business premises of ThankGod Terry on July 10, 2026, during which the shop was reportedly set ablaze.
Iniedu said the police were equally investigating the group over the April 10, 2026 killing of the traditional ruler of Ochia Kingdom, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, and five other persons along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema.
The other victims were identified as Amadi Uchechukwu Emmanuel, Onyivara Maduabuchi Jornadad, Gift Broaddic, Abraham Lincoln and Otor Benjamin.
“The monarch had reportedly returned to Nigeria after spending about five years in the United States. He was allegedly invited to a meeting at Ochia and was attacked while returning towards Owerri,” Iniedu said.
He said investigations had identified Acid as the suspected leader of the group linked to the attack.
The police assured residents of Ohaji/Egbema that investigations would continue, while efforts would be intensified to apprehend members of the group who escaped during the operation and prosecute anyone found culpable.
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