By Odita Sunday
The Special Tactical Squad of the Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) of the Nigeria Police Force has neutralised a suspected notorious bandit kingpin, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias “Acid”, during an intelligence-led operation in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of August 6, 2026, also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, according to the police.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the operation was carried out by STS-FID operatives led by Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, following the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The operation, according to the statement, was targeted at members of a criminal group allegedly responsible for several killings and other violent crimes in Ohaji/Egbema and neighbouring communities.
The police said the operation was also part of efforts to apprehend those allegedly responsible for the killing of the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, his security guards and other victims.
According to the Force, its operatives stormed “Acid’s” hideout at about 1:30 a.m. on August 6, but the suspect allegedly opened fire on sighting the police team.
A gun battle reportedly followed and lasted several hours before the suspect was neutralised.
The police said other members of the group escaped into the forest during the operation.
Preliminary investigations, according to the Force, identified “Acid” as the alleged leader of a criminal group linked to several killings and violent crimes committed between 2024 and 2026.
The police said STS-FID had, before the latest operation, arrested four suspects and neutralised two other alleged members of the group.
One of those previously arrested was identified as Chinwendo Mirabe, alias “K2”.
The Force said information obtained following K2’s arrest indicated that “Acid” was allegedly responsible for the killing of Emeka Ebere Nwaele on May 12, 2026, after allegedly suspecting that Nwaele provided information that assisted the police in arresting one of his gang members.
The incident is among several cases being investigated as part of the wider probe into the group.
The police also said the gang was being investigated over a series of other killings in Ohaji/Egbema and surrounding communities.
Among the victims listed in the ongoing investigation are Chikaire Domandu, alias “Asari”, reportedly killed in October 2024; Chimezie Uchenna and Ezeugo Umah; Domandu and Uma, reportedly killed in December 2024; Ibo Sunday, reportedly killed in June 2025; and Nwaugo Ngozi, popularly known as “Igbo”, reportedly killed in May 2025.
The Force said it was also investigating the alleged attack on the business premises of Mr ThankGod Terry on July 10, 2026, during which the shop was reportedly set ablaze.
The police further linked the investigation to the April 10, 2026 killing of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five other persons along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema.
The monarch was reportedly returning towards Owerri after attending a meeting at Ochia when he was attacked.
Other victims identified by the police were Amadi Uchechukwu Emmanuel, a traditional leader of Achia; Onyivara Maduabuchi Jornadad, a cabinet chief of Ochia; Gift Broaddic; Abraham Lincoln; and Otor Benjamin.
The Force said ongoing investigation had identified “Acid” as the suspected leader of the group allegedly linked to the attack.
The police assured residents of Ohaji/Egbema and the general public that efforts were ongoing to apprehend members of the group who escaped during the operation.
“The Force will work to arrest all members of the group who escaped during the operation. Anyone found to have taken part in the crimes will be brought to justice,” the statement said.
The police also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist in tracking fleeing suspects and preventing further criminal activities.
The Force said investigation into the activities of the group remains ongoing.
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