The Nigeria Police Force says Ojiogu Elumah Martin, a suspected bandit kingpin known as “Acid”, was killed during an intelligence-led operation in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The operation was conducted on August 6 by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad-Force Intelligence Department, according to a statement issued on Saturday by Force Public Relations Officer Ani Iniedu.
Police said the operation followed intelligence gathering on the activities and location of the suspected kingpin, who was being investigated in connection with a criminal network allegedly responsible for killings and violent attacks in Ohaji/Egbema and neighbouring communities.
At about 1:30 a.m., operatives reportedly raided Acid’s hideout. The police said he opened fire on the approaching team, leading to a gun battle that lasted several hours.
The Force said Acid was neutralised during the confrontation, while other suspected members of the group escaped into the surrounding forest.
An AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the scene, police said.
Preliminary investigations have allegedly identified Acid as the leader of a group suspected of involvement in several killings and other violent crimes between 2024 and 2026.
The group is among those being investigated over the April 10 killing of the traditional ruler of Ochia Kingdom, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I, and five other people along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema.
Police said the monarch had returned to Nigeria after spending about five years in the United States and had attended a meeting at Ochia before the attack.
The Force said it had earlier arrested four suspected members of the group and neutralised two others. One of those arrested was identified as Chinwendo Mirabe, also known as “K2”.
Information obtained after K2’s arrest allegedly led investigators to other suspected activities of the group, including the May 12, 2026 killing of Emeka Ebere Nwaele. Police alleged that Acid killed Nwaele after suspecting that he provided information that led to the arrest of a member of the group.
The police said investigations remain ongoing to establish the roles of individual suspects and the full extent of the group’s alleged activities. It said efforts were underway to locate those who fled during the operation.
