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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Police Eliminate Notorious Bandit Kingpin 'Acid' in Imo, Recover Weapons

From ThisDay · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Nigerian police eliminated a notorious bandit kingpin, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias “Acid”, in Imo State.
  • The operation was part of efforts to apprehend those responsible for the killing of a local traditional ruler and his security guards.
  • Police recovered weapons and are investigating the group's alleged involvement in multiple killings and economic sabotage.

Nigerian police have eliminated a wanted bandit kingpin, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, known as “Acid,” during an intelligence-led raid in Imo State. The operation, conducted by the Special Tactical Squad–Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) on August 6, 2026, targeted those responsible for the murder of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme and his security detail.

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.

— CSP Anietie InieduDescribing the operation that led to the elimination of the bandit kingpin.

According to a statement by Force Public Relations Officer CSP Anietie Iniedu, the raid occurred in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area. "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," Iniedu stated.

During the operation, police recovered an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and 56 rounds of live ammunition. Several other gang members reportedly escaped into the forest. Preliminary investigations suggest “Acid” led a criminal group linked to numerous killings and violent crimes in the region between 2024 and 2026. The police are also investigating his alleged role in the May 12, 2026, murder of Emeka Ebere Nwaele, whom “Acid” suspected of providing information that led to the arrest of another gang member.

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.

— Nigeria Police ForceAssuring the public that the investigation into the criminal group would continue.

The Nigeria Police Force assured the public that investigations into the group's activities and the apprehension of fleeing members would continue. The Force urged the public to provide any information that could assist in arresting suspects and preventing further crimes, emphasizing its commitment to intelligence-led operations against criminal groups nationwide.

The Nigeria Police Force will continue to carry out intelligence-led operations against criminal groups across the country.

— Nigeria Police ForceStating the commitment to ongoing operations against criminal elements.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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