Navy Arrests 13 Suspects, Seizes Boats Over Illegal Black Sand Mining in Bayelsa

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has arrested 13 suspects and intercepted two wooden boats allegedly involved in illegal black sand mining activities in Bayelsa State.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was carried out by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO following intelligence reports on the movement of boats suspected to be engaged in illegal mining within coastal communities in Brass Local Government Area.

The Navy said the boats were intercepted 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 Navy described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to curb the illegal exploitation of natural resources and protect the country’s maritime environment from activities that threaten economic development and environmental sustainability.

It said the two boats, recovered black sand and the suspects were subsequently handed over to the Divisional Police Officer of Nembe Division for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with Bayelsa State Government directives and established procedures.

The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to combating illegal resource extraction and other maritime crimes while collaborating with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to safeguard the nation’s waterways and maritime resources.