One divisional police officer (DPO) and six “bandits” have been killed in Imo, say the police.

The police command in Imo confirmed the death of the DPO Fatmann Dooiyor in an attack in the Oru East local government area.

The command also revealed that six “bandits” died in the attack when they engaged the police in a gun duel.

Police commissioner Abutu Yaro confirmed the incident in a statement signed by the command’s spokesman, Micheal Abattam, on Tuesday.

Mr Yaro explained that police operatives repelled the attack and killed six “bandits,” arresting 11.

He further stated that the police had mobilised the command’s tactical teams to comb the communities in the area to arrest other “bandits” who fled into the bush.

“On 26/7/2021 at about 16:20 hours, bandits in (a) convoy of three vehicles were repelled in Omuma town in Oru East LGA of Imo state,” the police statement said. “According to the Area Commander, ACP Benjamin Abang of Omuma Area Command, the bandits were sighted moving in convoy into Omuma town.”

Narrating how the attack happened, the police added that “the area commander immediately alerted the tactical teams of the command who swung into action.”

“They (teams) ambushed and launched a surprise attack on the convoy of the bandits, which resulted in the neutralizing of six of the bandits while 11 of them were arrested,” added the statement. “Unfortunately, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Fatmann Dooiyor, paid the supreme price.”

The police said they seized three vehicles from the “bandits,” including two Toyota Highlander SUV vehicles with registration numbers Abia MBL517AT and LAGOS JJJ984EL.

“Presently,” explained the police, “the command’s tactical teams and special forces led by ACP Evans Shem are combing the bush for possible arrest of the bandits that fled into the bush.”