People living in or travelling through parts of the Western Division have been advised not to be alarmed by military movements, blank ammunition and simulated battle sounds as the Republic of Fiji Military Forces begins a three-week training exercise today.
The RFMF said Bougainville Exercise 2026 will be conducted in the vicinity of Nadi and Lautoka, including surrounding interior areas, from Monday, August 10 to Friday, August 28.
The exercise will involve the movement of military personnel and vehicles through the affected areas.
The RFMF said blank ammunition and pyrotechnics will also be used to simulate battle noise as part of the training.
Members of the public residing in or travelling through the areas have been advised that the increased military presence and sounds associated with the exercise are part of planned training activities.
“The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) wishes to inform members of the public that a training exercise will be conducted in the Western Division, in the vicinity of Nadi and Lautoka, including surrounding interior areas, from Monday, 10 August to Friday, 28 August 2026,” the RFMF said in its public notice.
It said people should not be alarmed if they encounter military personnel and vehicles or hear simulated battle sounds during the exercise.
“The exercise will involve the movement of military personnel and vehicles, as well as the use of blank ammunition and pyrotechnics for battle noise simulation,” the RFMF said.
“Members of the public residing in or travelling through these areas are kindly advised not to be alarmed by military movements or simulated sounds associated with the exercise.”
However, people have been asked to exercise caution while travelling through areas where the training is taking place.
The RFMF said preparations had been undertaken to reduce any potential risks associated with the exercise.
“The RFMF has undertaken the necessary planning and safety measures to minimise risks to the public and ensure that the exercise is conducted safely and professionally,” it said.
The military has not detailed the specific locations within the Nadi and Lautoka areas where individual training activities will take place.
The RFMF thanked members of the public for their understanding and cooperation during the three-week exercise.
It also acknowledged the public’s continued support throughout the duration of Bougainville Exercise 2026.
