Navy intercepts boats, arrests 13 over illegal black sand mining

The Nigerian Navy has arrested 13 suspects and intercepted two wooden boats loaded with suspected illegally mined black sand in Bayelsa State as part of ongoing efforts to combat the illegal exploitation of the nation's natural resources. 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 operation, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho said the suspects were apprehended after naval operatives intercepted the boats at Lekeson and Liama communities, where large quantities of suspected illegally mined black sand were discovered onboard.

Acting on the intelligence, 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.

— Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho

Navy says operation protects economic and environmental sustainability

Folorunsho described the operation as another success in the Navy's campaign against illegal resource extraction, noting that such activities pose serious threats to economic development and environmental sustainability.

The successful operation underscores the Nigerian Navy's commitment to protecting Nigeria's maritime environment and preventing the illegal exploitation of natural resources that undermine economic development and environmental sustainability.

— Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho

He added that the Navy remained determined to sustain its operations against illegal resource extraction and other maritime crimes across the nation'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 waterways.

— Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho

Suspects, boats and sand handed over to police for prosecution

Folorunsho disclosed that the two wooden boats, the recovered black sand and the 13 suspects had been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Nembe Division, in line with directives of the Bayelsa State Government for further investigation and possible prosecution. He further stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in protecting Nigeria's maritime assets.

The Nigerian Navy remains committed to collaboration with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to safeguard Nigeria's maritime resources and ensure that the nation's waterways remain safe and secure for legitimate economic activities.

— Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho

The latest arrest comes amid growing concerns over illegal mining activities in parts of the Niger Delta, where environmental experts have repeatedly warned about the ecological consequences of unchecked extraction of mineral resources.