Odita Sunday 
Navy Intercepts Two Boats Loaded with Illegally Mined Black Sand, Arrests 13 Suspects in Bayelsa
By Odita Sunday
The Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO of the Nigerian Navy has intercepted two wooden boats loaded with illegally mined black sand and arrested 13 crew members in Bayelsa State as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities on Nigeria’s waterways.
The operation, carried out on June 14, 2026, was based on credible intelligence regarding the movement of the vessels involved in illegal mining activities.
Leading the operation, the Base Operations Officer, Lt. Cdr. U.S. Chukwu, deployed personnel who successfully intercepted the two boats at Lekeson Community and Liama Community in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s sustained crackdown on the illegal exploitation of natural resources and other maritime crimes threatening the nation’s economic and environmental security.
Speaking on the development, the Commanding Officer of FOB FORMOSO, Capt. S.K. Haruna, reaffirmed the Base’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.
According to him, the Nigerian Navy remains resolute in combating illegal exploitation of natural resources, curbing maritime crimes, and ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s waterways in line with its constitutional mandate.
In compliance with established procedures and on the directive of the Bayelsa State Government, the intercepted boats, bags of illegally mined black sand, and the 13 suspects were formally handed over on June 15, 2026, to the Divisional Police Officer of Nembe Division, CSP Gbenekeme Kenneth, at the Government Jetty in Nembe for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The latest operation highlights ongoing inter-agency collaboration aimed at protecting Nigeria’s maritime resources and deterring illegal mining activities that pose significant environmental and economic risks to coastal communities.
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