JTF CHIEF SEEKS MORE COLLABORATION WITH MEDIA

Rear Admiral Noel Musa Madugu, the Commander of the Joint Task Force, JTF, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, has called on journalists in Bayelsa State to sustain the existing collaboration between the media and security agencies.

Speaking 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.

He stated that the JTF cannot effectively tackle crude oil theft and other security challenges in the region without the support of the media.

The JTF Commander urged journalists to ensure accurate and verified reporting, warning against the rush to publish unconfirmed information that could misrepresent security operations.

While adding that the media helps the JTF inform the public about its activities and discourage actions that negatively impact the economy and environment, the JTF boss appealed for the NUJ’s continued support in achieving its mandate, particularly in fostering civil-military relations.

In his remarks, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha, the Chairman of the NUJ Bayelsa Council, 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.

Comrade Yemoleigha noted that as journalists, while they hold the government accountable, they also have a duty to collaborate with state institutions to foster national development, adding that if crude oil is better protected, production output will increase and this would benefit the country.