The Special Tactical Squad–Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) of the Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its crackdown on criminal groups in Imo State with the neutralisation of suspected bandit kingpin, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, popularly known as “Acid”.
The operation was conducted on August 6, 2026, in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state 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 Disu.
According to an official statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the operation was part of ongoing efforts to apprehend members of a criminal group allegedly linked to the killing of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, his security guards and other persons in the area.
The police said the operatives stormed “Acid’s” hideout at about 1:30 a.m., where the suspect allegedly opened fire on sighting the security team.
A prolonged gun battle ensued, during which the operatives eventually neutralised the suspect. Other members of the group reportedly escaped into the surrounding forest.
The police recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the scene.
Preliminary investigations identified “Acid” as the alleged leader of a criminal group linked to several killings and violent crimes across Ohaji/Egbema and neighbouring communities between 2024 and 2026.
The Force said it had earlier arrested four suspects and neutralised two other alleged members of the group in the course of its investigation. One of the suspects arrested was identified as Chinwendo Mirabe, also known as “K2”.
According to the police, information obtained following K2’s arrest indicated that “Acid” allegedly killed Emeka Ebere Nwaele on May 12, 2026, after suspecting that the victim had provided information that assisted the police in arresting one of his gang members.
The group is also being investigated over several other killings, including those of Chikaire Domandu, alias “Asari”, Chimezie Uchenna, Ezeugo Umah, Domandu and Uma in 2024, as well as Ibo Sunday and Nwaugo Ngozi, popularly known as “Igbo”, in 2025.
The police further said the group was being investigated over the alleged July 10, 2026 attack on the business premises of Mr ThankGod Terry, during which the shop was reportedly set ablaze.
The Force also attributed several attacks on critical infrastructure and industrial equipment in the area to the group.
According to the police, “Acid” was allegedly responsible for the burning of equipment belonging to Waltersmith Industrial Park during its construction along Awarra Road, including a Caterpillar machine and bulldozer.
The suspect was also allegedly linked to the burning of Oilserv equipment, including an excavator, Caterpillar machine and welding machine, as well as the alleged sabotage of the Shell TNP Awarra-Rumekpe pipeline and repeated vandalism of Seplat pipelines.
The police further linked “Acid” to the April 10, 2026 killing of Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five other persons along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema.
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 Force said investigations had identified “Acid” as the suspected leader of the group allegedly responsible for the attack, while efforts were ongoing to establish the roles of other members.
The Nigeria Police Force assured residents of Ohaji/Egbema and the general public that the investigation would continue, with efforts underway to apprehend members of the group who escaped during the operation.
It said anyone found to have participated in the crimes would be brought to justice, adding that the Force would continue to conduct intelligence-led operations against criminal groups across the country.
The police also urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist in tracking fleeing suspects and preventing further criminal activities.
