Amanze Chinonye
The Nigeria Police Force has killed a suspected gang kingpin allegedly linked to the April 10 murder of a traditional ruler and five others in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, recovering an AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of ammunition in an intelligence-led operation, Prime Business Africa reports.
The suspect, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as “Acid”, was killed during a gun battle with operatives of the Special Tactics Squad of the Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) in the early hours of Aug. 6, the police said.
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The operation followed actionable intelligence and was part of a series of operations conducted between Aug. 2 and Aug. 6 against members of a criminal syndicate allegedly linked to the killings.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, operatives located Martin’s hideout in Ohaji/Egbema, where he engaged the police in a gun battle. He sustained injuries during the encounter and later died.
The police said an AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered at the scene.
Martin was identified by the Force as an alleged leader of the criminal syndicate linked to the April 10 attack along the Asa/Awara Road, where HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five others were killed while returning to Owerri.
Four suspects had previously been arrested in connection with the attack, while two other alleged members of the syndicate were reported killed during earlier encounters with the police.
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Following the latest operation, the police said efforts had been intensified to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate, determine the extent of their involvement and recover additional weapons and other evidence.
The Force said the investigation and security operations would continue until the remaining suspects are apprehended and the circumstances surrounding the killings are fully established.
It also reiterated its commitment to bringing all persons found to be connected with the killings to justice.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
