By Ijeoma Agbafo
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted two wooden boats conveying suspected illegally mined black sand and arrested 13 suspects in Bayelsa State.
The Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja. He said the operation marked another success in the navy’s efforts to curb the illegal exploitation of natural resources.
According to Folorunsho, the operation was carried out by the Forward Operating Base FORMOSO following credible intelligence on the movement of boats suspected to be involved in illegal mining activities within coastal communities in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
He said naval personnel intercepted the boats at Lekeson and Liama communities, where large quantities of suspected illegally mined black sand 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 undermine economic development and environmental sustainability.
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 the Nembe Division for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with existing procedures and directives of the Bayelsa State Government.
The naval spokesperson reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to safeguard the nation’s maritime resources and ensure that waterways remain safe and secure for legitimate economic activities.
