The Nigerian Navy has intensified its fight against the illegal exploitation of natural resources with the interception of two wooden boats transporting illegally mined black sand in Bayelsa State.
The operation also led to the arrest of 13 suspects allegedly involved in the illicit activity.
The successful operation was carried out by the Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO following credible intelligence on the movement of boats suspected to be engaged in illegal mining within coastal communities in Brass Local Government Area.
Acting on the intelligence, naval personnel tracked and intercepted the vessels at Lekeson and Liama communities, where substantial quantities of suspected illegally mined black sand were discovered onboard.
A total of 13 crew members found on the boats were arrested in connection with the illegal mining operation.
The suspects are expected to face further investigation in line with applicable laws and regulations.
According to a statement signed by Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation highlights the Nigerian Navy’s continued commitment to combating the unlawful exploitation of the nation’s natural resources.
The Navy noted that illegal black sand mining poses significant environmental and economic risks, undermining sustainable development efforts and depriving the nation of valuable resources.
In compliance with existing procedures and directives of the Bayelsa State Government, the two seized boats, recovered black sand, and the 13 suspects were handed over to the Divisional Police Officer of Nembe Division for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its resolve to sustain operations against illegal resource extraction and other maritime crimes while strengthening collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure the security, safety, and protection of Nigeria’s waterways and maritime resources.
