[2] Having settled on Nakhiloo Island, which gave them the name Niquilus, they began their piratical activities, which gained the attention of the Portuguese in Hormuz.

In 1581, a Portuguese fleet led by Dom Jeronimo de Mscarenhas was originally sent against the ruler of Lar but was diverted upon a request from the captain of Hormuz to deal with the Niquilus pirates.

[5] In 1586, a fleet of 15 vessels with 500 men was led by Ruy Gonçalves da Câmara, the former governor of Hormuz, with the task of destroying the Niquilus.

An order from Matias de Albuquerque tasked him with attacking the enemy, who was situated on the Leitao coast adjacent to the island of Kish,[6][7] Pedro then decided to disembark his troops on the coast; however, his captains told him it was risky, but he later went along with two companies of 60 men each to land, one to provide cover for the other company commanded by Ruy Gonçalves.

The Portuguese were disunited, and the Niquilus, who were watching the landing happen and their vessels being dragged to the coast, attacked them with a force of 500 infantry and cavalry in a half-moon formation.