The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on violent criminal groups in Imo State following the death of a suspected bandit kingpin, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as “Acid.”
Martin was reportedly killed after engaging operatives of the Special Tactical Squad–Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) in a prolonged gun battle in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The encounter occurred in the early hours of August 6 when the police tactical team moved to the suspected criminal hideout as part of an operation aimed at dismantling a group allegedly linked to several violent incidents in the area.
The operation was reportedly conducted on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, who directed intensified efforts against criminal elements operating in parts of the state.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed that the operation was commanded by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey.
According to the police account, the tactical team reached the location at about 1:30 a.m. with the intention of apprehending the suspect.
However, the operation reportedly took a violent turn when Martin allegedly opened fire after noticing the presence of the security personnel.
The officers responded, leading to an exchange of gunfire that lasted several hours.
By the end of the confrontation, Martin had been fatally wounded, while other suspected members of the gang reportedly abandoned the location and escaped through the surrounding forest.
The police subsequently recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition believed to have been in the possession of the group.
Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
The Force described the development as an important step in its efforts to disrupt criminal operations in Ohaji/Egbema and neighbouring communities, where residents have reportedly faced security challenges linked to armed criminal groups.
Preliminary police investigations have allegedly identified Martin as the leader of a criminal organisation that had been operating in the area between 2024 and 2026.
Authorities said the group is being investigated over a number of killings and other violent offences recorded within the period.
Among the incidents allegedly connected to the group was the killing of the traditional ruler of Ochia Kingdom, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, known as the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom.
The monarch was killed on April 10, 2026, alongside five other individuals during an attack along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema.
According to the police, the victims were travelling towards Owerri when they came under attack.
Those who reportedly lost their lives alongside the monarch 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.
Investigators allegedly linked Martin and the criminal network he was suspected of leading to the attack on the monarch and the other victims.
The police said the investigation into the killings formed part of the intelligence-gathering process that eventually led security operatives to the suspect’s hideout.
The death of Martin could therefore provide investigators with additional leads as they work to establish the full structure of the alleged criminal network and identify other individuals believed to have participated in its activities.
Although the suspected kingpin was killed during the operation, several members of the group are believed to remain at large after fleeing into the forest during the confrontation.
Security operatives are expected to intensify efforts to locate the fleeing suspects and prevent them from regrouping or carrying out further attacks in the affected communities.
The police have also continued to rely on intelligence from local residents in their efforts to track criminal elements operating in difficult-to-access locations.
The latest operation underscores the role of tactical intelligence and coordinated security operations in tackling armed criminal groups, particularly those using forested areas as hideouts.
The Force said its personnel would sustain operations against individuals and groups involved in killings, armed attacks and other forms of criminality.
Residents in Ohaji/Egbema and neighbouring communities are also expected to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in identifying the remaining members of the suspected gang and preventing further attacks.
The police maintained that the operation was part of a broader effort to restore security and protect communities affected by violent criminal activities across the area.