Toyota Surf 4x4 vehicles Captured by security forces.

Security forces in Puntland’s commercial city of Bossasso on Monday morning nabbed a wanted Somali pirate called Omar Hassan Osman.

Osman, who is famously known as Baqalyo, was among the pirates who hijacked and received $4 million dollars in ransom from an Italian Tug Boat, The Buccaneer and its 10 all Italian crew.

Reports said Omar was hiding in the city, when the Police got the information and tried to arrest him but fierce gun battle erupted and he eventually surrendered.

Osman Afdallow, Puntland police officer in Bari region told Garowe Online that the capture of Baqalo was crucial in combating the insecurity in the region.

 “The security forces have captured Baqalyo and it’s important for the security in the region.”

The new government of Puntland has vowed to eradicate the piracy scourge along its coastlines, a move that has seen the decline of pirates’ activities in Puntland regions.

A number of pirates are currently languishing in Puntland prisons after were caught by the security forces. Pirate’s paraphernalia including weapons and skiffs have also been intercepted.

Puntland Special Forces have also seized Toyota Surf 4x4 vehicles, which belonged to the pirates.

GAROWE ONLINE