Nigerian Navy Raids Pirate Camp in Bayelsa, Arrests Two Suspects

The Nigerian Navy, operating under the auspices of Operation DELTA SANITY II, launched a successful raid on a pirate and kidnappers’ camp in Fununu community, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Saturday, January 11, 2025. The operation is part of the larger initiative that began with a flag-off on December 30, 2024, by Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), in Rivers State.

Operation DELTA SANITY II Strikes in Bayelsa, Recovers Weapons, Ammunition

During the raid, the suspected pirates and kidnappers, who had been using the camp as a hideout, engaged Navy personnel in a fierce gun battle for over 30 minutes. Despite fierce resistance, the Navy team’s superior firepower led to the criminals fleeing, with many sustaining gunshot injuries. Two suspects, a male and a female, were apprehended.

Nigerian Navy Overpowers Pirates in Gun Battle, Seizes Firearms and Cash

In addition to the arrests, Navy personnel recovered a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition. These included an AK-56 assault rifle, three locally made firearms, five pump-action shotguns, a foreign double-barrel gun, along with over 70 rounds of ammunition. The operation also led to the seizure of several personal items, including mobile phones, a national ID card, a debit card, and N11,500 in cash.

Navy Unveils Major Success in Fight Against Maritime Crime in Bayelsa

Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, praised the operation’s success, stressing that the Navy remains committed to eliminating criminal activities from Nigeria’s maritime domain and ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s waters.