The attempted breach of a Republic of Fiji Military Forces armoury has come under parliamentary scrutiny, with Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua saying the incident served as a real-world test of Fiji’s national security systems.
Responding to Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu on the implementation of the National Security Strategy, Mr Tikoduadua said the framework provided the guiding structure for how security agencies respond to serious incidents and emerging threats.
He told Parliament the strategy was intended to ensure coordination across institutions and provide clear policy direction in times of crisis.
“The National Security Strategy is the overarching framework for events such as this,” he said.
Mr Tikoduadua said the attempted breach demonstrated that existing security arrangements, including electronic systems, were actively working as intended.
“One positive aspect of this incident is that it tested the effectiveness of the systems that were in place.”
He stressed that any attempt to access military armouries or ammunition magazines is treated with the utmost seriousness.
“Breaches of the armoury or magazines, or any attempt to do so, is a serious offense.
“It would be repelled at any cost.”
The Defence Minister also updated Parliament on the broader rollout of the National Security Strategy, which was recently endorsed and launched by Government.
He said work was underway to strengthen institutional arrangements, including reforms to the National Security Council as the central decision-making body, and the establishment of a Senior Officials Committee to improve coordination across government.
Mr Tikoduadua said these reforms were supported by a structured program focusing on priority areas such as counter-narcotics, energy security and protection of critical infrastructure.
He said the system was designed to ensure continuous monitoring, early identification of risks, and a more adaptive response to evolving security challenges.
