His Majesty’s Prisons (HM Prisons) successfully conducted “Operation Nakarawa” during the 2024 festive season, ensuring the safety of the public and maintaining order across facilities from December 16, 2024, to January 10, 2025.
The operation was launched to address the heightened risks posed during the holidays, when inmates are more prone to unrest or escape attempts.
“Festive seasons can agitate inmates to insubordination or escape, simply because they too wish to spend Christmas with their families and celebrate the holidays; however, at the risk of public safety,” said Commissioner of Prisons Semisi Tapueluelu.
Prison officers, deemed essential workers, maintained round-the-clock security during the Christmas and New Year period to protect the public and ensure the security of prison facilities.
The operation concluded with no escapes or fatalities, highlighting its success in preserving public safety and upholding the mission of effective prisoner management and rehabilitation.
The Commissioner added, “Prison officers must lead by example in order to successfully rehabilitate inmates.”
Operation Nakarawa, the first of its kind to be named, shows HM Prisons’ growing focus on international collaboration, made official with the Fiji Corrections Service in December 2024.