The Special Tactical Squad–Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) of the Nigeria Police Force says it has neutralised a suspected criminal kingpin, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as “Acid”, during an operation in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday, August 6, 2026, by STS-FID operatives led by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, following the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the operation was part of efforts to apprehend those allegedly responsible for the killing of the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, his security guards and other persons.
According to the statement, the operatives stormed the hideout of the suspected kingpin at about 1:30 a.m., where he allegedly opened fire on the police.
It said a gun battle ensued and lasted several hours before the suspect was neutralised.
The police said an AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the scene, while other suspected members of the group escaped into the forest.
The Force said preliminary investigations indicate that “Acid” allegedly led a criminal group linked to several killings and other violent crimes in Ohaji/Egbema and neighbouring communities between 2024 and 2026.
It said four suspects had previously been arrested and two other alleged members of the group neutralised in earlier operations.
One of those arrested was identified as Chinwendo Mirabe, also known as “K2”.
The police said information obtained following K2’s arrest linked “Acid” to the alleged killing of Emeka Ebere Nwaele on May 12, 2026.
The Force is also investigating the group’s alleged involvement in several other killings recorded between 2024 and 2026, as well as an attack on the business premises of Mr ThankGod Terry on July 10, 2026, where the premises was allegedly set on fire.
The group is further being investigated over the April 10, 2026 killing of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five other persons along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema.
The police identified the other victims 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 Force said investigation has identified “Acid” as the suspected leader of the group allegedly linked to the attack.
The Nigeria Police Force assured residents of Ohaji/Egbema and the general public that investigations would continue to establish the full activities of the group and apprehend members who escaped during the operation.
It urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist in locating fleeing suspects and preventing further criminal activities.
The police said anyone found culpable would be brought to justice, while intelligence-led operations against criminal groups would continue across the country.