The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 17 suspected sea pirates, including a notorious leader identified as Ziakede Amatu, for their alleged involvement in attacks on oil installations and the killing of an officer in Bayelsa State.

The suspects were apprehended during a coordinated operation by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’S SIS), in collaboration with other security agencies, at Tonogbene in Ekeremo Local Government Area.

The leader of the group, Amatu, is accused of leading an attack on 21 January that targeted the Joint Task Force, comprising NSCDC operatives and Tantita Security Services. The attack resulted in the death of Assistant Superintendent Umar Aliyu and the theft of a speedboat belonging to Tantita.

Commandant Apollo Dandaura, head of the CG’s SIS, said, “We mounted a round-the-clock onslaught against the suspects, collaborating with sister security agencies and Tantita Security. We succeeded in smashing the 17 deadly sea pirates led by the notorious vandal, kidnapper and armed robber, Ziakede Amatu.”

READ ALSO:NSCDC apprehends five suspects in Bauchi

Dandaura disclosed that Amatu, originally from the Norgbene community in Ekeremo, had been terrorising Bayelsa and neighbouring states. He allegedly attempted to infiltrate Tantita Security Services by procuring uniforms and launching attacks disguised as legitimate security operations.

“From our preliminary investigation, the suspects confessed to launching attacks against oil installations and plotting to discredit Tantita Security Chairman, Tompolo, after failing to secure surveillance contracts,” Dandaura said.

Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, two empty magazines, 15 sets of Tantita Security uniforms, and black boots.

Dandaura praised NSCDC Commandant General Dr Ahmed Audi for providing the logistical support that enabled the successful operation. He assured that ongoing investigations would lead to further arrests of those connected to the attacks.