Mukhu Aliyev, President of Russia's North Caucasus Republic of Dagestan, ordered on Wednesday to provide material assistance to relatives of those killed and injured in a suicide bomb attack in Makhachkala, a local administration official said.

The attack took place in Dagestan's capital early on Wednesday. The suicide bomber drove a car into a traffic police depot in Makhachkala but was blocked by a police vehicle before exploding.

According to latest reports, five police officers were killed and up to 19 were wounded as the result. Earlier on Wednesday, Russian TV channel NTV said seven police officers have died.

The force of the explosion was estimated at 100 kg of TNT equivalent.

"Today, the head of the republic, held an emergency meeting following the terror attack in Makhachkala," the official said, adding "the president instructed the government to provide material assistance to the families of the killed and injured."

He said the president visited the injured and talked to their relatives on Wednesday.

Following the attack, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev ordered the Federal Security Service to tighten security in the North Caucasus.

Medvedev has instructed Alexander Bortnikov, head of the Federal Security Service, to investigate thoroughly the circumstances of the terrorist attack and ordered Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev to enhance control of the situation in the North Caucasus.

Russia's mainly Muslim North Caucasus republics, especially Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia, have seen an upsurge of militant violence lately, with frequent attacks on police and officials.

MAKHACHKALA, January 6 (RIA Novosti)