March 03, (THEWILL) – The Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Noel Musa Madugu, has called on journalists in Bayelsa State to sustain the existing collaboration between the media and security agencies.
Speaking on Monday during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, Rear Admiral Madugu emphasized the crucial role of the media in combating crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
“We cannot effectively tackle crude oil theft and other security challenges in the region without the support of the media,” he stated.
The JTF Commander urged journalists to ensure accurate and verified reporting, warning against the rush to publish unconfirmed information that could misrepresent security operations.
“You help us inform the public about our activities and discourage actions that negatively impact the economy and environment. We appeal for your continued support in achieving our mandate, particularly in fostering civil-military relations,” he added.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ Bayelsa Council, Tonye Yemoleigha, assured the commander of journalists’ commitment to working with security agencies to provide credible information, particularly to rural communities.
He conveyed the NUJ National President’s goodwill message to the JTF Commander and commended the efforts of security agencies, including their collaboration with Tantita Security Services, in reducing crime along Bayelsa’s waterways and protecting national assets.
“As journalists, while we hold the government accountable, we also have a duty to collaborate with state institutions to foster national development. If crude oil is better protected, production output will increase, benefiting the country,” Yemoleigha noted.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
