The Nigerian Navy has intercepted an illegal black sand mining operation in the coastal waters of Bayelsa State, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects and the seizure of two boats loaded with illegally extracted mineral resources.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO following intelligence reports on unauthorized mining activities within the Brass Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, naval operatives acted on credible intelligence and conducted a coordinated patrol around the Lekeson and Liama coastal communities, where the suspects were apprehended.
During the operation, officers intercepted two large wooden boats transporting bags of black sand believed to have been illegally mined from coastal mineral deposits. The vessels and their occupants were immediately taken into custody for further investigation.
Captain Folorunsho said the operation was led by the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Ugochukwu Chukwu, under the supervision of the Commanding Officer of FOB FORMOSO, Captain Sunday Haruna.
The Navy described the operation as part of its ongoing efforts to combat economic sabotage and protect Nigeria’s natural resources from illegal exploitation.
While the Niger Delta is widely known for its oil and gas reserves, black sand has increasingly become a target for illegal miners due to its high commercial value. The mineral contains heavy elements such as ilmenite, rutile, zircon, and magnetite, which are used in the production of metal alloys, electronics, pigments, and industrial ceramics.
Security experts warn that unchecked extraction of black sand not only deprives the government of revenue but also poses significant environmental risks to coastal communities through erosion and ecosystem degradation.
The Navy confirmed that the 13 suspects, along with the seized boats and recovered mineral resources, have been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Nembe for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Authorities said the transfer was carried out in line with existing inter-agency protocols and directives from the Bayelsa State Government.
Naval officials reiterated their commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment and natural resources, warning that individuals involved in illegal mining, dredging, and other forms of economic sabotage would face the full weight of the law.
“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to protecting the nation’s economic assets and ensuring that all activities within the maritime domain are conducted in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
The latest interception underscores growing efforts by security agencies to curb illegal exploitation of solid minerals and strengthen surveillance across Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways.