RFMF, Police trusted to handle security threats: Minister Naupoto

Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto has full confidence in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and its partners to deal with what the military has described as an organised criminal network threatening national security.

Mr Naupoto, a former RFMF Commander, was asked by this masthead yesterday for his thoughts on the military’s handling of recent security breaches.

This included intelligence findings that a criminal network is attempting to destabilise the country.

He declined to comment on the specifics, however said it was a matter for the military leadership.

“I will stay away from that. I will leave it to the commander (Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai) to deal with it,” he said.

“I am confident in its ability, with its partners the police. I am sure they will deal with it correctly.”

The RFMF said joint intelligence indicated the existence of an organised criminal network attempting to compromise national security, and that investigations had identified unauthorised weapons outside the military’s official inventory.

The security concerns follow the death of Jone Vakarisi, who suffered a medical emergency while in RFMF custody at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks (QEB) last week during questioning linked to those investigations. The matter has been referred to the Coroner’s Office.

Police investigations are ongoing, with both the RFMF and the Fiji Police Force in agreement to allow due process to take its course.

Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua has also called for restraint and urged the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue.

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