Troops seize 10,400 bags of black sand, arrest five illegal miners in Bayelsa
Troops of the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Sanity, have seized about 10,400 bags of suspected illegally mined ilmenite sand, popularly known as black sand, and arrested five suspected illegal miners in Bayelsa State. The operation was conducted at about 12:45pm on Saturday, August 22, 2026, following intelligence on the movement of suspected illegal […] Troops seize 10,400 bags…
On Saturday, August 22, 2026, military forces of the Joint Task Force South-South, operating under Operation Delta Sanity, apprehended a significant haul of suspected illegally mined ilmenite sand, widely recognized as black sand. The operation unfolded in the Bassambiri Community of Nembe Local Government Area within Bayelsa State, following intelligence reports regarding the movement of suspected illegal miners in the region.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the 343 Artillery Regiment responded to these intelligence reports and intercepted a tugboat and barge, laden with the controversial mineral resources. During this operation, five individuals suspected of illegal mining were arrested, and the vessels along with their cargo were secured.
Subsequently, the suspects and the recovered items were turned over to the Nembe Police Division for further investigation and potential legal proceedings. Makama highlighted that this operation was part of broader efforts by security agencies to combat illegal mining and other illicit activities within the Niger Delta region.
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