Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Operatives of the Special Tactical Squad–Force Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police Force have neutralised a wanted suspected bandit kingpin, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as “Acid”, during a fierce gun battle that raged for several hours in the early hours of Thursday, August 6, 2026, at his hideout in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. The operation, which culminated in the death of one of the most wanted criminals in the South-East, was carried out by STS-FID operatives led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, following a direct directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, according to a statement issued on Saturday, August 8, by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu.
The successful operation was part of intensified efforts to track and apprehend those allegedly responsible for the gruesome killing of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, his security guards, and five other persons on April 10, 2026. The monarch had reportedly returned to Nigeria after spending about five years in the United States and was attacked while returning to Owerri after a meeting at Ochia, his kingdom. According to the police, the victims killed alongside the monarch 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 revealed that the operation was the culmination of a series of intelligence-driven actions conducted between August 2 and 6, 2026. At about 1:30 a.m. on August 6, operatives stormed the hideout of Ojiogu Elumah Martin in Ohaji/Egbema. When the suspect sighted the police operatives, he allegedly opened fire, sparking a gun battle that lasted for several hours before the operatives eventually neutralised him. During the operation, one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the scene. Other members of the gang reportedly escaped into the surrounding forest during the raid.
Preliminary investigation, according to the police, identified “Acid” as the alleged leader of a criminal group linked to a string of killings and other violent crimes in Ohaji/Egbema and neighbouring communities between 2024 and 2026. Before the latest operation, STS-FID operatives had 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”. Information obtained following the arrest of K2 allegedly indicated that “Acid” 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 police have linked the group to a catalogue of killings and criminal incidents. 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, during which the shop was allegedly set ablaze. Additionally, according to sources, “Acid” was allegedly responsible for the burning of construction equipment, including a caterpillar and a bulldozer, at the Waltersmith Industrial Park site along Awarra Road, and the destruction of an excavator, caterpillar and welding machine belonging to Oilserv. He was further alleged to have been involved in pipeline vandalism affecting Shell’s TNP facility at Awarra-Rumuekpe and recurring attacks on Seplat pipelines.
The Force Public Relations Officer emphasised that all information gathered so far remained subject to investigation and verification. He added that following the latest operation, efforts had been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, establish the full extent of their involvement, and recover further operational intelligence and exhibits. The police assured the public that all persons found to be connected with the killings and other crimes would be brought to justice and that every effort would be made to bring the investigation to a logical conclusion.
The neutralisation of “Acid” represents a significant victory for the Nigeria Police Force in its ongoing battle against banditry and terrorism in Imo State. For the communities of Ohaji/Egbema and the wider Imo State, the death of a kingpin who had terrorised them for years brings a measure of relief, even as the search for his fleeing accomplices continues. The recovery of an AK-47 rifle and ammunition from his hideout is a stark reminder of the firepower at the disposal of these criminal networks, and the battle to fully dismantle them is far from over. As the police intensify their pursuit of the remaining members of the syndicate, the people of Imo State can only hope that this breakthrough marks the beginning of the end of the reign of terror that has cast a long shadow over their communities.
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