The Defence Headquarters says the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke foiled an attack on passengers traveling from Bayelsa to Jos on Markudi-Lafiya road on Thursday.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, in a statement on Friday, said that the operation was to ensure peaceful yuletide season.

Enenche said that the criminals mounted an illegal check-point on the road where they stopped the commercial vehicle to rob the commuters.

He said the troops intervened promptly with superior firepower and forced the criminals to flee in disarray.

He said that troops thereafter provided armed escort for the commuters from the scene to Lafiya to enable them to proceed with their journey.

Enenche also said that troops deployed at Zaki Biam and Ukum, eliminated two suspected bandits who attacked Dyom Village in Borokiyo Council Ward of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue.

He said that the troops followed the bandits in a pursuit after a distress call from the community on their activities, killing two while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

He said that during the encounter, troops recovered some arms and ammunition and a motorcycle.

“The Military High Command commends the troops for their efforts and further encourage them to remain committed to the course.

“Troops continue to maintain routine and confidence building patrols in the zone,” he said.

The coordinator also said that two suspected bandits voluntarily surrendered to the troops of Hadarin Daji at Magami area of Zamfara on Thursday.

He said the surrendered suspects further took troops to a bush where they had buried some of their weapons and submitted the weapons.

He announced thst troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, 45 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one cutlass and one knife.

He said that the troops also eliminated one suspected bandit in a clearance operation on bandits’ hideouts at Pauwa/Zango Rocks and environs on Dec. 23.

According to him, their hideouts have been cleared and demolished.

In the course of the operation, two bandits were arrested and handed over to appropriate prosecuting agency for further action.(NAN)