By Miriam Humbe
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted two wooden boats conveying illegally mined black sand and arrested 13 suspects in Bayelsa State.
Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the
Director of Naval Information, Nigerian Navy disclosed this in a statement.
This was yet another recorded operational success in its efforts to curb the illegal exploitation of natural resources.
The operation was conducted by Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO following credible intelligence on the movement of boats suspected to be involved in illegal mining activities within the coastal communities of 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.
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.
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.
In line with extant procedures and directives of the Bayelsa State Government, the two wooden boats, the recovered black sand, and the 13 suspects were subsequently handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Nembe Division, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Nigerian Navy remains committed to collaborating 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.
