Operatives of the Special Tactical Squad, Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) of the Nigeria Police Force have killed a suspected bandit kingpin, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as “Acid”, during an intelligence-led operation in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of August 6, 2026, by STS-FID operatives led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, following a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the operation targeted members of a criminal group allegedly linked to the killing of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, his security guards and other victims in the area.
The police said “operatives stormed the suspect’s hideout at about 1:30 a.m., leading to a gun battle after he allegedly opened fire on officers.”
After several hours of exchange of gunfire, the suspect was killed, while other members of the group escaped into the surrounding forest.
One AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the scene, the police said.
Preliminary investigations by the STS-FID linked the suspect to a criminal group believed to be responsible for several killings and other violent crimes across Ohaji/Egbema and neighbouring communities between 2024 and 2026.
The police said “four suspects had earlier been arrested, while two other alleged members of the group were killed. One of those arrested was Chinwendo Mirabe, also known as “K2.”
Following the arrest, investigators reportedly obtained information implicating the suspect in the alleged killing of Emeka Ebere Nwaele on May 12, 2026. He was said to have suspected that the victim provided information leading to the arrest of one of his associates.
Other deaths under investigation in connection with the group include those of Chikaire Domandu, also known as “Asari”; Chimezie Uchenna; Ezeugo Umah; Domandu and Uma; Ibo Sunday; and Nwaugo Ngozi, popularly known as “Igbo.”
The police are also investigating the April 10, 2026 killing of Eze Paulinus Ekwueme and five others along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema.
The monarch, who had reportedly returned to Nigeria after about five years in the United States, was allegedly attacked after attending a meeting in Ochia while travelling towards Owerri.
The other victims were identified as Amadi Uchechukwu Emmanuel, Onyivara Maduabuchi Jornadad, Gift Broaddic, Abraham Lincoln and Otor Benjamin.
According to the police, “preliminary findings identified the suspect as the leader of the group linked to the attacks.”
The police also alleged that the group was responsible for burning equipment belonging to companies operating around the Waltersmith Industrial Park during construction along Awarra Road.
The group was further linked to the burning of Oilserv equipment, including an excavator, Caterpillar machine and welding machine.
It was also allegedly involved in the sabotage of the Shell TNP pipeline along the Awarra-Rumekpe axis and repeated attacks on Seplat pipeline infrastructure.
Police are investigating an alleged July 10, 2026 attack on the business premises of ThankGod Terry, during which the shop was set ablaze.
The Nigeria Police Force said efforts were ongoing to arrest fleeing members of the group.
The Force urged residents to provide credible information that could assist in locating the suspects and preventing further attacks.
“Investigation is ongoing,” the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, said in the statement dated August 8, 2026.
