Nigerian Navy Raids Pirate Camp, Seizes Weapons in Bayelsa State

On Saturday, January 11, 2025, the Nigerian Navy, operating under Operation DELTA SANITY II, dismantled a suspected pirate and kidnapper camp in Fununu, a hamlet in the Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The operation, launched on December 30, 2024, by the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, PhD, has yielded several arrests and significant seizures, according to a statement by Commodore A. Adsms-Aliu, Director of Information.

During the raid, the suspects resisted, engaging in a confrontation with Navy personnel. However, the Navy’s team successfully overpowered them, resulting in the capture of two individuals—a male and a female—while others fled. Authorities believe some of the escapees sustained injuries.

Items recovered from the operation include an AK-56 assault rifle, locally made firearms, pump-action firearms, and various ammunition types. Additional items such as mobile phones, identification cards, and cash were also confiscated, which are expected to aid further investigations.

Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, reaffirmed the Navy's commitment to eradicating criminal activities in Nigeria’s maritime domain. He commended the personnel for their dedication and urged continuous vigilance to ensure the safety of coastal communities.