Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Special Tactical Squad–Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) have neutralized a suspected criminal gang leader, Ojiogu Martin, known by the alias "Acid", after a fierce gun battle at his hideout in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. The operation, which took place in the early hours of August 6, 2026, resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Pre-Dawn Raid and Shootout
The raid was conducted at approximately 1:30 a.m. on the direct orders of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu. The tactical unit was led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Victor Ogbeide Godfrey. Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, confirmed that the operatives stormed the location after receiving intelligence about the gang leader's whereabouts.
"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, as reported by Vanguard. The sustained exchange of gunfire underscored the dangerous nature of the operation, which brought an end to the reign of a man linked to multiple violent crimes in the region.
String of Killings Linked to the Gang
Preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation, as reported by Nigerian Tribune, have tied "Acid" to a series of murders and violent incidents across Ohaji/Egbema and surrounding communities dating back to 2024. Among those named in the investigation are Chikaire Domandu (alias "Asari"), Chimezie Uchenna, and Ezeugo Umah, who were reportedly killed around October 2024. Additionally, Ibo Sunday and Nwaugo Ngozi (alias "Igbo") were allegedly killed in 2025.
Police also connected the group to the killing of Emeka Ebere Nwaele on May 12, 2026. Investigators believe "Acid" ordered the attack on Nwaele after suspecting him of passing information to the police, which led to the arrest of one gang member. This highlights the group's violent tactics against anyone perceived as a threat or informant.
Murder of Traditional Ruler and Others
The group is further being investigated over the murders of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five other persons on April 10, 2026, along the Asa/Awara Road. The monarch had reportedly returned to Nigeria after approximately five years in the United States and was attacked while travelling back towards Owerri following a meeting at Ochia. The other victims were identified as Amadi Uchechukwu Emmanuel, a traditional leader from Achia; Onyivara Maduabuchi Jornadad, a cabinet chief of Ochia; Gift Broaddic; Abraham Lincoln; and Otor Benjamin.
In a separate incident, an attack on the business premises of a Mr ThankGod Terry on July 10, 2026, during which his shop was allegedly set on fire, is also under investigation as part of the wider probe into the group's activities. These incidents paint a grim picture of the gang's widespread criminal influence in the area.
Prior Arrests and Intelligence Gathering
The August 6 operation was not the first move against the gang. STS-FID operatives had earlier arrested four suspects and killed two others linked to the group. One of those arrested was Chinwendo Mirabe, also known as "K2", whose detention reportedly yielded crucial intelligence that advanced the investigation and ultimately led to the raid on "Acid"'s hideout.
Iniedu assured residents of Ohaji/Egbema that security operations in the area would continue, with concerted efforts to track down gang members who escaped during the operation. The police have vowed to maintain pressure on criminal elements to ensure the safety and security of the community.
Broader Security Operations
This operation comes amid broader security efforts across Nigeria. In a related development, the Nigerian Air Force carried out an air strike in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State on Saturday, August 8, 2026. A senior ISWAP commander identified as Abu Khalid Al Muhajir was among those killed in the precision strike. NAF stated that some of the targeted fighters were linked to a recent ambush on Nigerian troops in Gwoza Local Government Area.
Additionally, police operatives rescued eight kidnapped victims from armed men in the Ogbadigbo local government area in Benue State. Three suspected bandits were also killed during a police operation in the Ukum local government area of the state. Ten suspects were arrested by the police for various crimes, including human trafficking and armed robbery, reflecting the ongoing nationwide crackdown on criminal activities.
