Two wooden boats loaded with suspected illegally mined black sand were intercepted by the Nigerian Navy in Brass Local Government Area, with 13 people detained during the operation.
Forward Operating Base FORMOSO carried out the raid on Saturday following intelligence about illegal mining activity along the coast. According to Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, naval personnel tracked and stopped the boats at Lekeson and Liama communities where the black sand was discovered onboard.
The 13 crew members, the vessels, and the recovered mineral were transferred to the Divisional Police Officer in Nembe for investigation and possible prosecution. Folorunsho said the handover followed due process and directives from the Bayelsa State Government.
He noted that the interception shows the Navy’s commitment to halting unlawful resource extraction and protecting the marine environment. The service, he added, will keep partnering with security agencies to ensure waterways in the region remain secure for lawful business.
Sources: Punch news, Vanguard.
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