Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Special Tactical Squad–Force Intelligence Department have killed a suspected bandit leader, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, popularly known as “Acid,” during a gun battle in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The police said Acid was suspected to be the leader of a criminal group linked to the killing of a first-class traditional ruler, the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, as well as several other killings and violent crimes in Ohaji/Egbema and neighbouring communities between 2024 and 2026.
The operation was reportedly launched following a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, after the killing of the monarch and attacks on five other persons along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema on April 10, 2026.
Ekwueme was reportedly attacked while returning towards Owerri after attending a meeting in Ochia.
The traditional ruler had returned to Nigeria after spending about five years in the United States before he was killed.
Five other victims of the attack 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.
Police investigations subsequently identified Acid as the suspected leader of the group allegedly responsible for the attack.
Security sources said STS-FID operatives eventually traced the suspect to his hideout in Ohaji/Egbema and moved in to arrest him.
A gun battle reportedly broke out between the security operatives and members of the gang and lasted for several hours before Acid was killed.
Confirming the operation, police spokesman Anietie Iniedu said the suspect opened fire on the officers after sighting them, forcing the operatives to return fire.
He said Acid was eventually neutralised during the exchange, while other suspected members of the gang 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. Other members of the gang escaped into the forest during the operation,” Iniedu said.
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicated that Acid allegedly headed a criminal network connected to several killings and other violent crimes committed in Ohaji/Egbema and surrounding communities between 2024 and 2026.
“The police are still investigating the activities of the group and the roles played by its members. Before the latest operation, STS-FID operatives had arrested four suspects and neutralised two other members of the group,” the spokesman said.
The police disclosed that one of those previously arrested was Chinwendo Mirabe, also known as “K2.”
Following K2’s arrest, investigators reportedly received information linking Acid to the killing of Emeka Ebere Nwaele on May 12, 2026.
Police said Acid allegedly suspected that Nwaele had provided information that enabled security operatives to arrest one of his gang members and subsequently killed him in retaliation.
“One of the suspects arrested earlier was Chinwendo Mirabe, also known as ‘K2’. Following the arrest of K2, the police received information that ‘Acid’ allegedly killed Emeka Ebere Nwaele on May 12, 2026,” Iniedu said.
“He was said to have suspected that Nwaele gave information that helped the police arrest one of his gang members. The police are investigating the case as part of the wider investigation into the group.”
The police said investigations were continuing to identify the roles allegedly played by other members of the group and track those who escaped during the operation.
