In a continuous effort to eliminate illicit activities from Nigeria’s waterways and uphold a secure maritime environment, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO has apprehended two wooden vessels. These vessels were found to be transporting bags of illegally mined black sand and had 13 crew members on board.
The operation, spearheaded by the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander US Chukwu, was executed on June 14, 2026. This action was prompted by credible intelligence concerning the movement of specific boats. Responding promptly to this intelligence, personnel from FOB FORMOSO successfully intercepted the vessels at Lekeson Community and Liama Community, both situated within the Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Captain S.K. Haruna, the Commanding Officer of FOB FORMOSO, reiterated the Base’s unwavering commitment to combating the illicit exploitation of natural resources, suppressing maritime crimes, and guaranteeing the safety and security of Nigeria’s waterways, in accordance with the Nigerian Navy’s constitutional mandate.
Pursuant to established procedures and under the directive of the Bayelsa State Government, the two wooden boats, the recovered bags of illegally mined black sand, and the 13 suspects were formally handed over on June 26 to CSP Gbenekeme Kenneth, the Divisional Police Officer of Nembe Division, at the Government Jetty Nembe. This transfer was conducted to facilitate further investigation and potential prosecution.