Unauthorised weapons risk to national security: Tikoduadua

Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs Pio Tikoduadua has issued a stern warning over the presence of unauthorised weapons in the country.

Mr Tikoduadua said such weapons and questions about their origins, pose a risk to national security.

“They are not just about weapons being found. They are about the presence of unauthorised weapons in the country,” Mr Tikoduadua said.

“We are a porous nation. There are boats and, over the years, people have been able to bring in arms,” he said.

“In the past, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) discovered many of these, at least the organised ones. The non-organised ones are much harder to detect.”

He said public had a role to play in national security.

“The onus is on us, the people, to be aware and conscious of our security. If anyone has information that could help recover these unauthorised weapons, they should inform Police or the relevant authorities.”

Mr Tikoduadua said systems were in place to safeguard weapons and prevent breaches.

“People have their own intentions, but the idea is to have systems that discourage them.

“We are glad that recent attempts were unsuccessful. It gives us another opportunity to strengthen our systems.”

He said the RFMF, as custodians of arms and ammunition, would review its security measures following the incident.

“I would like to assure the public there is nothing to fear. The RFMF is here as a law-abiding institution that respects the rule of law, despite this incident.”