The Police Command in Imo State said four suspected armed robbers have been killed in a gun battle with a combined team of military and police operatives in Umuaka community, Njaba Local Council area on Tuesday.
The operatives had responded to a distress call when they were attacked by the suspected armed robbers.
The command spokesman, CSP Michael Abattam, confirmed the development in Owerri.
Abbatam said three of the suspected armed robbers died on the spot while one later died at a hospital.
He warned that the police and other security operatives would make Imo uncomfortable for criminals.
The command spokesman advised all law abiding citizens to go about their normal legitimate businesses and report any suspicious persons to relevant security agencies.
A source said that those killed had allegedly attacked Point of Sale (POS) operators in the area before the security forces engaged them in a shootout.
The source, who pleaded anonymity, said the robbers opened fire on the security operatives before they were overpowered.
He said the incident caused serious panic in the area, forcing many people to flee the community during the gun duel.
