Police have confirmed that an object reported as a firearm during a sighting in Nabua was in fact a toy gun, the Fiji Police Force said in a statement as investigators continue to probe the incident.
Officers brought in the owner of the vehicle linked to the sighting for questioning. “He confirmed that at the time of the sighting, his son was holding a toy gun that matched the description given by the security officer,” the police statement said. The initial report, lodged after a security officer spotted what appeared to be a weapon, prompted an immediate police response while the matter was assessed.
The item was examined by the Force Armourer, who identified it as similar to a ball bearing (BB) gun. Police noted that such replica or BB-style guns, while often regarded as toys, can closely resemble real firearms and understandably cause alarm when seen in public settings. The confirmation that the object was not a functioning firearm removes that immediate public safety concern, but it does not end the inquiry.
Investigators are now focused on establishing where the toy gun originated and whether its presence amounts to any legal or safety breach. The police statement said efforts are under way to trace the source of the item and to determine the full circumstances surrounding how it came to be displayed in the vehicle. No charges have been announced while enquiries continue.
This is the latest development in an incident that drew attention when the security officer’s description suggested a live weapon. Police clarified the matter after interviewing the vehicle owner and conducting a forensic-style examination of the item by the Force Armourer. The family connection — the owner’s son reportedly being the person who held the toy — was confirmed during those interviews.
Authorities did not provide a timeframe for concluding their inquiries, but emphasised the ongoing nature of the investigation. The police action underscores the caution typically taken when reports involve objects resembling firearms, with officials aiming to quickly verify threats and reduce public concern.
Further updates are expected once police complete their enquiries into the toy gun’s provenance and whether any follow-up action is warranted.