It is reassuring to hear both the Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Ro Jone Kalouniwai speak out in the wake of alleged break-in attempts at military armouries.
We need that reassurance, and hearing it from the top two leaders is a good start.
However, questions will be asked about the “why”, the “when” and the “how” of this troubling turn of events.
The two leaders have assured the nation that security will be strengthened at military armouries following two separate alleged break-in attempts this week.
We understand the first incident is believed to have happened last Saturday at the 3FIR camp perimeter in Lautoka, where a fence to the armoury compound was reportedly cut and an attempt made to access an ammunition storage room. The breach was only discovered during a routine check on Sunday morning.
The second incident reportedly took place at an armoury along Cunningham Road in Suva. It was uncovered on Thursday during a routine inspection, when officers found that a passcode-secured door lock had been forcibly removed and left along a walkway. A live 81mm mortar round was also discovered at the scene.
Mr Tikoduadua confirmed that Police were called in to investigate, while the RFMF has launched its own internal inquiry.
He said he had been informed that no weapons or ammunition were taken or compromised. Now that provides some level of comfort.
He also relayed assurances from the military that security measures across all installations would be tightened, with vigilance heightened moving forward.
Major General Ro Jone stressed that existing “robust security systems” had prevented the attempts from succeeding.
Following inspections and stocktakes, he confirmed that no weapons, ammunition, or related equipment were missing.
He emphasised that the RFMF was treating the incidents with the utmost seriousness and would not take them lightly, noting that a comprehensive review of security protocols was already underway to strengthen safeguards across all facilities. He also sought to reassure the public that there was no immediate threat to safety, adding that the RFMF remained committed to maintaining the highest standards in protecting both its installations and the people of Fiji.
Police spokesperson Wame Boutolu confirmed investigations are ongoing.
In the face of these attempts, the public will undoubtedly raise expectations around the security of all military facilities.
There is an expectation that armouries, by their very nature, must be impenetrable.
With that in mind, every effort must now be directed toward uncovering exactly what happened.
The military faces a major test. It must dispel any fears of future breaches and convincingly assure the nation that all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard its armouries at the highest possible level.
There can be no room for complacency.
The public will demand accountability, transparency, and a clear commitment to strengthening security.
What has happened is a major concern. It must never be allowed to happen again!
