Nigeria: Police Gun Down Bandit Kingpin Linked to Killing of Imo Monarch

What the report says

Police in Nigeria said operatives from the Special Tactical Squad–Force Intelligence Department killed a suspected bandit leader, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as “Acid,” during a gun battle in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. The report, published by Daily Trust and distributed by AllAfrica, said the operation targeted a criminal group under investigation for a series of killings and violent attacks in the area.

According to the article, the raid followed a directive tied to the investigation into the killing of a traditional ruler, Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom. Police said the group was also being examined in connection with attacks on several other people on the Asa/Awara Road in April 2026. The monarch had reportedly returned to Nigeria after several years in the United States and was allegedly attacked while traveling back toward Owerri.

Police spokesman Anietie Iniedu said the suspect opened fire on officers before he was shot dead. Authorities said they recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and ammunition, while other suspected gang members escaped into nearby forested areas. The report said earlier arrests and killings of other suspects had already formed part of the wider probe. The case underscores ongoing security challenges in parts of Imo State, where armed criminal groups have been linked to attacks on communities and local leaders.