By Ebinum Samuel
The Special Tactical Squad–Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) of the Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major success in its operation against criminal groups in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The operation, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu said led to the death of a suspected bandit kingpin, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as “Acid”. The operation was carried out on August 6, 2026, 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 Rilwan Disu, PSC (+).
He disclosed that the operation was part of efforts to arrest those behind the killing of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, his security guards and other persons.
“At about 1:30 a.m. on August 6, 2026, the operatives stormed the hideout of Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias “Acid”, in Ohaji/Egbema. When the suspect saw the police operatives, he opened fire. A gun battle followed and lasted for several hours. The operatives eventually neutralised the suspect.
“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.
“Preliminary investigation shows that “Acid” was allegedly the leader of a criminal group linked to several killings and other violent crimes in Ohaji/Egbema and nearby communities between 2024 and 2026”
Speaking further, Iniedu said the police are still investigating the activities of the group and the roles played by its members.
He revealed that before the latest operation, STS-FID operatives had arrested four suspects and neutralised two other members of the group.
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. 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 have also linked the group to several other killings between 2024 and 2026.
Those named in the investigation include Chikaire Domandu, also known as “Asari”, who was reportedly killed in October 2024; Chimezie Uchenna and Ezeugo Umah, who were allegedly killed around the same period; Domandu and Uma, who were reportedly killed in the first week of December 2024; Ibo Sunday, who was reportedly killed in June 2025; and Nwaugo Ngozi, popularly known as “Igbo”, who was reportedly killed in May 2025. The police are also investigating other killings and incidents linked to the group.
The group is also being investigated over an attack on the business premises of Mr ThankGod Terry on July 10, 2026.
The shop was allegedly set on fire during the attack. The police are working to find out what happened and the roles played by members of the group. All the information gathered so far is still being investigated and verified.
The group is also being investigated over the killing of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five other persons on April 10, 2026.
The victims were killed along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State. The monarch had reportedly returned to Nigeria after spending about five years in the United States. He was allegedly invited to a meeting at Ochia and was attacked while returning towards Owerri.
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 investigation has identified “Acid” as the suspected leader of the group linked to the attack.
The Nigeria Police Force assures the people of Ohaji/Egbema and the general public that the investigation will continue.
The Force will work to arrest all members of the group who escaped during the operation. Anyone found to have taken part in the crimes will be brought to justice.
The Nigeria Police Force will continue to carry out intelligence-led operations against criminal groups across the country.
The Force also calls on members of the public to provide useful information that can help the police arrest fleeing suspects and prevent further crimes.
Investigation is ongoing.
