The Nigerian Navy has intercepted two wooden boats allegedly transporting illegally mined black sand in Bayelsa State and arrested 13 suspects in connection with the operation.
The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
He said the operation marked another success in the Navy’s efforts to curb illegal exploitation of Nigeria’s natural resources.
According to him, the operation was carried out by the Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO following credible intelligence on the movement of boats suspected to be involved in illegal mining activities.
He explained that the intelligence indicated the boats were operating within coastal communities in Brass Local Government Area of the state.
He said, “Acting on the intelligence, naval personnel intercepted the boats at Lekeson and Liama communities, where large quantities of suspectedcnd were discovered onboard. A total of 13 crew members were arrested in connection with the activity.”
Folorunsho said the operation underscored the Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and preventing the illegal exploitation of natural resources that threaten economic development and environmental sustainability.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining operations against illegal resource extraction and other maritime crimes, while maintaining security and stability within the nation’s waterways,” he said.
He added that the two wooden boats, the recovered black sand and the 13 suspects had been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer of Nembe Division for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The transfer, he said, was carried out in line with extant procedures and directives of the Bayelsa State Government.
Folorunsho reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to protect the country’s maritime resources.
He also assured that the Navy would continue to ensure that Nigeria’s waterways remain safe for legitimate economic activities.
