Navy Seizes 2 Boats, Arrests 13 Suspects Over Illegal Black Sand Mining
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on the illegal exploitation of natural resources with the interception of two wooden boats laden with suspected illegally mined black sand and the arrest of 13 suspects in Bayelsa State.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso following credible intelligence on the movement of boats allegedly involved in illegal mining activities within coastal communities in Brass Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking on the development, the Commanding Officer of FOB Formoso, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said naval operatives acted swiftly on the intelligence and intercepted the vessels at Lekeson and Liama communities.
According to him, large quantities of suspected illegally mined black sand were discovered onboard the boats during the operation.
“A total of 13 crew members were arrested in connection with the illegal activity,” he said.
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Folorunsho noted that the successful operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime environment and curbing the unlawful exploitation of natural resources, which he described as a threat to economic development and environmental sustainability.
He reiterated that the Navy remains determined to sustain operations against illegal resource extraction, maritime crimes and other forms of criminality within the country’s waterways.
“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 maritime domain,” he stated.
The naval officer disclosed that, in line with established procedures and directives of the Bayelsa State Government, the two wooden boats, the recovered black sand and the 13 suspects had been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Nembe Division, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He further reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to working closely with relevant stakeholders and other security agencies to protect Nigeria’s maritime resources and ensure that the nation’s waterways remain safe for legitimate economic activities.
The latest seizure forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Navy to combat illegal mining, environmental crimes and other activities that undermine the sustainable management of the country’s natural resources.
By PRNigeria
