A wanted bandit kingpin identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as “Acid”, has been killed during a police raid on his hideout in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The operation was carried out on August 6, 2026, by operatives of the Police Special Tactical Squad–Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID), following a directive from Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, said the operation was part of efforts to track those allegedly responsible for the killing of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, his security guards and other victims.
According to the police, officers led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Victor Ogbeide Godfrey stormed “Acid’s” hideout at about 1:30 a.m. The suspect allegedly opened fire when he noticed the approaching operatives, triggering a gun battle that lasted several hours before he was killed.
Police said one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered from the scene. Other suspected members of the group reportedly escaped into a nearby forest during the operation.
Preliminary police investigations allegedly linked “Acid” to a criminal group accused of carrying out killings and other violent crimes in Ohaji/Egbema and surrounding communities between 2024 and 2026. The Force said investigations into the group and the individual roles of its members were still ongoing.
The police also said four suspects had previously been arrested and two other alleged members of the group killed during earlier operations. One of those arrested was identified as Chinwendo Mirabe, also known as “K2”.
Information obtained following K2’s arrest allegedly linked “Acid” to the killing of Emeka Ebere Nwaele on May 12, 2026. Police said Nwaele was allegedly targeted because “Acid” suspected he had provided information that helped authorities arrest one of his associates.
The Nigeria Police Force said it would continue efforts to apprehend members of the group who escaped during the raid and bring anyone found to have participated in the alleged crimes to justice. It also urged residents to provide information that could help security agencies track fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
