BLACK SAND-LADEN BARGE ALLEGEDLY ESCORTED BY ARMY GUNBOAT SPOTTED ON NEMBE RIVER DESPITE BAYELSA BAN

A barge reportedly loaded with black sand was allegedly seen moving along the Nembe River under the escort of an Army gunboat at about 4:36 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2026, raising fresh concerns over the continued movement of the banned mineral in Bayelsa State.

The development comes just days after the Bayelsa State Government intensified its crackdown on illegal black sand mining, leading to the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of boats involved in the illicit trade. Security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, have recently intercepted vessels conveying suspected illegally mined black sand and arrested suspects in connection with the activity.

Eyewitnesses who observed the latest movement questioned why a barge allegedly carrying black sand could be seen navigating the waterways under military escort despite the state’s prohibition on black sand mining and transportation.

The identity of the operators of the barge, the ownership of the cargo, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged military escort remain unclear as of the time of filing this report.

It was not immediately known whether the movement formed part of an authorised government operation or whether the escort was related to another security assignment.

The incident is likely to generate public interest, especially following the Bayelsa State Government’s directive banning illegal black sand mining and its warning that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted. The recent enforcement campaign has seen security operatives arrest suspects and impound boats allegedly used in the illegal exploitation of the state’s natural resources.

TrackNews Online could not independently verify the contents of the barge or the reason for the alleged military escort. Efforts to obtain official comments from the Nigerian Army and other relevant authorities were ongoing as of press time.

Residents and stakeholders have called on the appropriate authorities to investigate the incident and clarify whether the movement complied with existing government directives on black sand mining in Bayelsa State.