Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua has called for a review and strengthening of security systems within the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) after the military confirmed the recent discovery of unauthorised arms and weaponry in Fiji. The minister said the revelation — and intelligence pointing to an organised criminal network — underlines the need for tighter controls and closer public cooperation to prevent future incursions.
RFMF Commander Ro Jone Kalouniwai publicly disclosed that joint intelligence operations had identified an organised criminal group he described as attempting to destabilise the country. Kalouniwai said documentation gathered during those investigations suggests the group has ongoing intentions to target key State infrastructure, prompting heightened scrutiny within security agencies. The commander’s statement marked the first detailed acknowledgement by the RFMF of external networks linked to the unauthorised weapons.
Responding to those findings, Tikoduadua warned that Fiji’s geography complicates enforcement. “Fiji [is] a porous nation, we’re an archipelagic State. It’s a porous border, there’s boats and I think over the years people have been able to have the presence of these arms around,” he said, urging vigilance from both security forces and the public. He stressed that while organised caches have been found in the past, illicit, unorganised weapons are harder to detect and recover.
Tikoduadua said existing systems are designed to secure military stocks and critical facilities and to deter attempts to penetrate those defences. “People have their own intentions, but the idea is to have systems that discourage them from doing that,” he said, adding that when recent attempts were made they were unsuccessful. He called on citizens who have information on unauthorised weapons to report it to the police or relevant authorities to assist recovery efforts.
The minister’s comments come as security agencies review whether current safeguards are sufficient, particularly given Kalouniwai’s assessment that the network had designs on infrastructure. The RFMF’s disclosure has prompted questions about interagency coordination and border security measures across Fiji’s many islands. Past initiatives to bolster cross-agency security and border control — including regional cooperation on inspections and technology to curb illicit trafficking — provide context for decisions officials must now take.
Authorities say investigations and intelligence operations are ongoing. The RFMF and police have not disclosed operational details or announced arrests tied to the alleged network, citing the sensitivity of active probes. For now, the government is emphasising a dual approach of tightening military safeguards and enlisting public assistance to locate and remove unauthorised arms that could threaten national stability.
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