Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu says joint police–military operations targeting drugs and other national security threats are already under way and will take a more prominent role under the government’s new policing strategy. The collaboration, he said, is written into the Ministry of Policing Strategic Plan 2025–2030 and will soon be visible on the ground as teams begin coordinated action from a central point.
“I think both institutions know clear demarcation of roles that we play in this country,” Tudravu told reporters, confirming he was open to closer collaboration with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. “But to me, I’m open. I’m open to our joint presence on any issue … and drugs is one of them.” He added that practical arrangements have been prepared and it is now a matter of starting operations in areas identified for clearance.
Tudravu said planning has moved beyond the conceptual stage. “Everything is already there. It’s just a matter of starting off some areas that need to be cleared and we will continue,” he said, describing teams being prepared to coordinate operations from a single central point to improve effectiveness and command across agencies. He gave no timetable for the roll-out but stressed the initial deployments would focus on drug law enforcement and national security priorities.
Responding to public calls for faster action, the commissioner asked for patience and stressed that legal frameworks must be respected. “I know that the general public are looking for quick answers… but people need to know the legal issues that are involved,” he said, underlining the need for operations to comply with the rule of law even as they intensify.
Tudravu was at pains to reassure Fijians that military involvement will support — not replace — police functions. “The military will always be there to support us,” he said, framing the RFMF’s role as complementary assistance to extend capacity for complex or resource-intensive operations rather than taking over policing duties.
The announcement marks the latest development in how Fiji plans to confront organised crime and security challenges. The Ministry of Policing Strategic Plan 2025–2030, referenced by Tudravu, advocates a coordinated approach to national security and inter-agency cooperation. Officials say the public should expect to see the effects of these joint efforts in the coming weeks as specific operations are activated in targeted areas.
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