The Nigerian Navy has intercepted two wooden boats conveying illegally mined black sand and arrested 13 suspects in Bayelsa State.
The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja.
Folorunsho said the operation marked another success in the Navy’s efforts to curb illegal exploitation of natural resources.
According to him, the operation was carried out by Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO following credible intelligence on the movement of boats suspected to be involved in illegal mining activities.
He said the intelligence indicated that the boats were operating within coastal communities in Brass Local Government Area.
“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,” he said.
The naval spokesperson said the operation underscored the Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and preventing illegal exploitation of natural resources that undermine 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.
Folorunsho also said 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.
He said the action was taken in line with extant procedures and directives of the Bayelsa State Government.
The naval spokesperson reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime resources, assuring that the nation’s waterways would remain safe and secure for legitimate economic activities.
(NAN)