The Nigerian Navy said on Thursday that it was working hard to tackle the menace of piracy on the Bayelsa waterways, having arrested two suspected pirates.

Commodore Yakuku Wanbai, Commander of the Nigerian Navy Base, Brass, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the base that one of the suspects died shortly after he was arrested.

He said the suspect was part of a four-man gang that attacked Ekeni village in Ezetu Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa recently.

“The gang had stormed the community and the villagers raised alarm and called our men on patrol who responded almost immediately and arrested two of them.

“We have interrogated the surviving suspect and handed him over to the Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

“The Nigerian Navy will continue in its efforts to ensure that the sea remains safe for all well-meaning Nigerians to continue to conduct their daily businesses without hindrances.”

He added that the Navy would continue to ensure a conducive environment for communities within the coastal areas to exist without fear of intimidation from hoodlums.

According to him, such hoodlums parade themselves as lords of the waters in the name of sea robbers.

The commander, however, applauded the existing mutual relationship and cooperation between the Ezetu community which led to the prompt intervention of the Navy to checkmate the crime.

NAN reports that the surviving suspect was handed over to Mr Ikonko Patrick, an ASP with the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of Bayelsa Police Command. (NAN)

•Photo shows Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.

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