Ammunition finds pose ‘no threat’, says Tikoduadua

Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua says recent discoveries of bullets and ammunition across the country are not an indication of any security threat, reassuring Fijians that investigations are underway to determine where the rounds came from.

Mr Tikoduadua said authorities had recorded two to three separate incidents involving ammunition finds, adding that people voluntarily surrendering the items reflected growing public trust in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and the Fiji Police Force.

“It’s no indication of anything,” he said.

“It’s just that people have possession of ammunition that they should not have. It should not be in the possession of anyone other than the authorised central government agencies.”

He said investigations would establish the source of the ammunition.

The latest incident involved 246 live rounds of 5.56mm ammunition voluntarily surrendered in Nausori earlier this month during joint security operations conducted by the RFMF and Police.

Several magazines and magazine pouches were also handed over.

In a separate earlier case, a student found 13 rounds of ammunition at the Nabua Topline Bus Stop. Investigations into that discovery are continuing.

Police respond

Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua echoed Mr Tikoduadua’s comments, saying members of the public were now more confident in coming forward with information.

“We encourage people to come forward to the police or to the military if they have information,” Mr Naivalurua said.

“If you have seen or heard stories or have information relating to weapons or ammunition, go to the right places – the police or the military.”

The RFMF has assured the public that all information received will be treated with strict confidentiality.