The Nigerian Navy has renewed its commitment towards maintaining strong synergy with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Commodore Rotimi Oderemi, the Commander, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victor, made the expression when he visited the NUJ, Cross River Council on Wednesday in Calabar.
He said that the media had remained a reliable ally in the navy’s mandate to protect the nation’s territorial waters.
“We strongly commend the NUJ for its support, your reports have positively projected the image of the Navy and its operations.
“You have portrayed the navy as a formidable force in the fight against waterways crime in the country,” he said.
The commander presented 12 new sets of chairs to the council as part of the navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation initiative.
“This is in support of your collaboration with us. This is to make your secretariat a little more comfortable.
“This is not exhaustive, we will come back soon to add value to the NUJ Press Centre in Cross River,” he said.
READ ALSO: C’River: Women’s Voice, Leadership Nigeria project bows out after 5 years
Oderemi said that Operation Delta Sanity which was launched on 6th January, to combat oil theft and related crimes along the nation’s waterways had been extended for 90 days.
“The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, did the extension and codenamed it Operations Delta Sanity II, the whole essence is to end the menace of crude oil theft in the region.
He urged the media to continue to support the Navy by reporting true and objective stories.
“Call on us when in need of clarifications, our doors are open, we are partners in the project of building a decent and crime-free society,” he said.
Responding, Mrs Archibong Bassey, the NUJ Chairman, Cross River Council, commended the NNS Victory for the gesture and its sacrifices to secure the nation’s waterways.
She said that the union would continue to collaborate with the navy to ensure the success of Operation Delta Sanity II and all other profitable engagements of the force in the state.