Maritime authorities detain vessels, apprehend 13 individuals in crackdown on illicit extraction of black sand in Bayelsa region

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By Kingsley Omonobi

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The Nigerian Navy has recorded another breakthrough in its campaign against the illegal exploitation of natural resources with the interception of two wooden boats conveying illegally mined black sand and the arrest of 13 suspects in Bayelsa State.

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Disclosing the development, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho said the operation was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso following credible intelligence on the movement of boats suspected to be involved in illegal mining activities within coastal communities in Brass Local Government Area.

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According to him, naval operatives acted on the intelligence and intercepted the boats at Lekeson and Liama communities, where large quantities of suspected illegally mined black sand were discovered onboard.

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“A total of 13 crew members were arrested in connection with the activity,” Folorunsho stated.

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He said the successful operation demonstrated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to protecting the nation’s maritime environment and curbing the illegal exploitation of natural resources, which pose threats to economic development and environmental sustainability.

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“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.

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Folorunsho added that, in line with existing procedures and directives of the Bayelsa State Government, the two wooden boats, the recovered black sand and the 13 suspects were handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Nembe Division, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

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He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime resources and ensure that the nation’s waterways remain secure for legitimate economic activities.

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The latest operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Navy to combat illegal mining, maritime crimes and other activities that threaten the sustainable management of the country’s natural resources.

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