Notorious former pirate leader Mohamed Abdi Hassan, also known as Afweyne, will lead an anti-piracy campaign in regions with pirate strongholds, UN-funded Radio Bar-Kulan reported Wednesday (January 23rd).

One of Somalia's most notorious pirate leaders, known as "Big Mouth", said he is retiring after years of terrorising the Indian Ocean, generating millions of dollars in ransoms from seized ships. [AFP] Play Video

Hassan will direct a group of former pirates to encourage their colleagues to denounce piracy.

The group will tour pirate-infested areas in Galgadud and Mudug, including Hobyo, Harardere and Gan, former pirate Diwan Abdullahi said. Abdullahi said he has "entered a new and better life" since his decision to give up piracy, hence his desire to encourage others to make the same choice.