The Republic of Fiji Military Forces has issued a stark warning against divided loyalty within its ranks, saying any soldier who betrays the service by colluding with criminal elements will face decisive action. Land Forces Commander Brigadier General Onisivoro Covunisaqa delivered the message at the RFMF’s 2nd Quarter Land Forces Parade last Friday, underlining that the force will pursue offenders through both military discipline and the civil courts as part of an intensified national campaign against the illicit drug trade.
Brig-Gen Covunisaqa told troops the RFMF is at a “decisive point” in its fight against organised crime and drug networks, and that there is no tolerance for behaviour that undermines communities or national stability. He reiterated that all operations aimed at disrupting criminal activity will be conducted “within constitutional and legal boundaries,” stressing the military’s commitment to lawful action even as it targets entrenched drug supply chains.
Speaking in iTaukei during the parade, Covunisaqa issued a direct appeal and warning to those involved in narcotics. “Vei kemuni kece sara na dau volitaka na wai gaga, na dau veivakatotogani, na dau veivakarerei, kei kemuni na dau caka bisinisi ena wai gaga, nai tukutuku qo e nomuni,” he said — translated by commanders as: “To all of you that are involved in selling illicit drugs, using threatening tactics or associated in any way with the use or sale of illicit drugs, this message is for you.” He added forcefully, “Keitou na yacovi kemuni yani! Ena veiliutaki ni kalou qaqa, keitou na yacovi kemuni yani. Na gauna o ni na tobo kina, o ni na sotava na cudru ni vanua o Viti.” — “We will get to you… When we catch you, you will feel the wrath of Fiji.”
The commander emphasised the legal consequences for offenders, saying “the long arm of the law” will find those who aid or participate in narcotics activity and that penalties will reflect the severity of offences. He also warned of internal consequences for members of the RFMF found to have “divided loyalty,” indicating that collusion with organised crime would prompt both prosecution and military discipline.
Covunisaqa used the parade to reassure soldiers that they have full leadership support as the force prepares for heightened operational demands. He singled out Exercise Bougainville 2026 as central to enhancing the RFMF’s readiness and capability, framing the exercise as a critical component of the broader campaign to disrupt drug networks and strengthen national security posture.
The RFMF’s renewed public stance comes against a backdrop of ongoing national attention to narcotics cases and law-enforcement action in Fiji. Authorities have in recent years pursued a series of high-profile seizures and prosecutions tied to organised drug trafficking, underscoring the government’s stated priority of protecting families, schools and communities. Brig-Gen Covunisaqa described the campaign as a long-term, sustained national responsibility aimed at shielding vulnerable communities from the harms of drugs and criminality.