Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Police Special Tactical Squad–Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) has eliminated a wanted and notorious bandit kingpin, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as “Acid”, in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State during an intelligence-led raid on his hideout.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the operation was carried out on 6 August 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 Disu.
The Force spokesperson revealed that the operation was part of efforts to apprehend those behind the killing of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, his security guards and other persons.
He said: “At about 1:30 a.m. on 6 August 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.”
CSP Iniedu said preliminary investigations showed that “Acid” was allegedly the leader of a criminal group linked to several killings and other violent crimes in Ohaji/Egbema and neighbouring communities between 2024 and 2026.
He stressed that the police were 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. 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 12 May 2026. He was said to have suspected that Nwaele had provided 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 statement said.
The notorious bandit, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, is also said to be linked to numerous other violent crimes and acts of economic sabotage in the state.
The Nigeria Police Force assured the people of Ohaji/Egbema and the general public that the investigation would 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 statement assured.
The Force also called on members of the public to provide useful information that could assist the police in arresting fleeing suspects and preventing further crimes.