Police Neutralise Suspected Bandit Kingpin ‘Acid’, Recover Arms In Imo

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the death of a suspected bandit kingpin, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, popularly known as “Acid”, during an intelligence-led operation in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

Martin was killed on August 6, 2026, when operatives of the Special Tactical Squad–Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) raided his hideout following a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

The operation was part of investigations into a series of killings and violent crimes allegedly linked to the group, including the April 10 killing of the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, his security guards and other victims.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the operatives stormed Martin’s hideout at about 1:30am.

“When the suspect sighted the police operatives, he opened fire, leading to a gun battle that lasted for several hours,” Iniedu said.

He added that the operatives eventually “neutralised the suspect” during the confrontation.

The police recovered “one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition” from the scene, while other members of the gang reportedly escaped into the forest.

The Force said preliminary investigations indicated that Martin was allegedly the leader of a criminal group linked to several killings and violent crimes in Ohaji/Egbema and neighbouring communities between 2024 and 2026.

“The police are still investigating the activities of the group and the roles played by its members,” the statement said.

Before the latest operation, STS-FID operatives had arrested four suspected members of the group and neutralised two others.

One of those arrested was Chinwendo Mirabe, also known as “K2”.

The police said information obtained following K2’s arrest indicated that Martin allegedly killed Emeka Ebere Nwaele on May 12, 2026, after suspecting that Nwaele had provided information that helped the police arrest one of his gang members.

According to the Force, “the police are investigating the case as part of the wider investigation into the group.”

The group is also being investigated over several other killings between 2024 and 2026, including the deaths of Chikaire Domandu, also known as “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 are also investigating the group’s alleged involvement in an attack on the business premises of ThankGod Terry on July 10, 2026.

“The shop was allegedly set on fire during the attack,” the Force said.

It added that investigators were working to establish what happened and determine the roles allegedly played by members of the group.

“All the information gathered so far is still being investigated and verified,” the statement said.

Police Investigate Killing of Ochia Monarch
The suspected gang is also being investigated over the April 10, 2026 killing of Eze Ekwueme, the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five other people.

The victims were killed along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema while the monarch was reportedly returning towards Owerri after being invited to a meeting in Ochia.

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 their investigation had identified “Acid” as the suspected leader of the group linked to the attack.

Police Vow to Pursue Fleeing Suspects
The Force assured residents of Ohaji/Egbema and the wider public that investigations would continue.

“The Force will work to arrest all members of the group who escaped during the operation,” the statement said.

It added: “Anyone found to have taken part in the crimes will be brought to justice.”

The police also urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist in apprehending the fleeing suspects and preventing further criminal activities.
“Investigation is ongoing,” the Force said.