Troops of the 343 Artillery Regiment, Nigerian Army, have intercepted two tugboats and barges conveying a total of 21,000 bags of suspected illegally mined ilmenite sand, popularly known as black sand, in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The operations were conducted between Aug. 24 and 25, 2026, during ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining and other economic crimes within the area of responsibility.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that at about 11:45 p.m. on Aug. 24, troops intercepted a tugboat and barge loaded with 11,500 bags of suspected illegally mined black sand around the Nembe general area.

Six suspects were arrested in connection with the consignment.

In a related operation at about 9:35 a.m. on Aug. 25, the troops intercepted another tugboat and barge carrying 9,500 bags of suspected illegally mined black sand within their area of responsibility.

Four additional suspects were arrested during the operation.

The total of 10 suspects and the recovered consignments were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police, Nembe Division, for further investigation and necessary action.

The operations form part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb illegal mining activities and protect the country’s natural resources. (Zagazola)