Commissioner of Police (COMPOL) Kalshem Bongran said the daylight robbery occurred at approximately 11.59am.
The incident has raised serious concerns about airport security and is being treated as unprecedented in the country’s history.
Eyewitnesses at the airport told the Daily Post that the suspects used firearms wrapped in cloth to threaten the driver and Western Union staff before fleeing in a white minibus with dark-tinted windows.
One eyewitness suggested the robbery may have involved inside knowledge.
“I heard some women shouting that they stole the money. The truck was parked inside, and the minibus was blocking its way out. It looked like they were acting on instructions from someone.
“Why didn’t the Western Union officers try to follow them? Their truck is stronger than the minibus; they could have chased it. This really looks like an inside job,” the eyewitness told the Daily Post.
Another eyewitness, who saw the minibus heading towards Bladiniere after the robbery, said: “I was heading back to my house near Kings Motor. The road has many potholes, so I slowed down when the minibus passed me. A few minutes later, I saw photos of the van posted online. The way it sped past showed they were in a hurry or had done something wrong.”
Minister condemns robbery
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat, who has oversight of the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF), condemned the incident.
“As Minister responsible for the VPF, I condemn these actions as they do not reflect our Vanuatu way of life, Melanesian values, or Christian principles. This incident has taken the country by surprise,” he said.
He said that although police officers are deployed daily at the airport, the robbery was carried out so quickly that officers were unable to stop the suspects from escaping.
“Operational orders have been signed and approved to ensure those responsible are captured. I ask the public not to speculate on social media, but to provide accurate information to the VPF if they have any leads,” the Minister said.
The Minister also called for national cooperation, urging community leaders and citizens to support police efforts. He advised the public to remain alert, particularly if they see suspicious minibuses, and to avoid approaching potential suspects while police operations are ongoing.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, which has sent shockwaves across the country as the first armed robbery of its kind in Vanuatu.
COMPOL appeals for public support and surrender
COMPOL Bongran addressed the public yesterday evening, providing further details on the robbery at the international airport.
He explained that a Goodies vehicle had travelled to the airport carrying foreign currency for weighing and verification by Customs officers before being sent overseas. During the process, the vehicle stopped when a white minibus bearing registration number “557” suddenly arrived.
Two occupants exited the minibus. One approached the driver and punched him, while the other produced a firearm and pointed it at the female officer accompanying the driver, causing both officers to panic.
One of the suspects then entered the vehicle and took a suitcase containing foreign currency valued at around VT8 million.
There were three suitcases in total, but the suspects managed to take only one before fleeing the scene in the white minibus.
Because the suspects were armed, as recorded in the incident report submitted by airport police, the COMPOL’s office moved quickly to deploy Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) officers. This followed the standard firearms authorisation process approved by the responsible minister. VMF officers were deployed alongside police officers to locate the suspect vehicle, apprehend those involved, and recover the stolen money.
The COMPOL appealed for public assistance, saying, “We need public support at this time.”
“If any member of the public sees the white minibus anywhere in Port Vila, including car parks or private properties, or notices a minibus with tinted windows matching the description and the number plate ‘557’, or even if the number plate has been removed, please contact the VPF immediately so officers can take action,” he said.
“We want to apprehend the suspects so they can face justice.
“My other call as COMPOL is to assure the public that the VPF is closely monitoring the situation and police will do everything possible, together with the public, to apprehend the suspects.
“I ask the public not to panic and to remain calm. Your support is very important. You may see VMF officers deployed and armed. This reflects our response, as the robbery suspects are armed.
“With the current situation, the public is advised to take extra precautions in public places such as shopping centres and other areas, and even at home. Safety measures are important, as it is unclear whether the suspects may attempt further offences. Their intentions are unknown.
“I appeal to the people of north and south Efate: if you see any vehicle matching the description of this minibus in your area, report it immediately to police.”
“I also appeal to the two robbers and anyone else involved in this armed robbery to surrender to the VPF with the stolen money,” COMPOL Bongran said.
“If you are afraid to go directly to a police station, surrender to your responsible chiefs, who can bring you to police. This matter will be handled lawfully so everyone can move forward and enjoy the upcoming New Year celebrations.
“I appeal again, surrender yourselves to the VPF.”
Should there be further developments in this case, the COMPOL’s office remains ready to update the public in the coming hours and days.
Meanwhile, in confirming the robbery at the Port Vila International Airport Cargo Terminal, Airports Vanuatu assured that both international and domestic flights are unaffected and that normal airport operations are continuing.
Anyone who sees the white minibus or notices suspicious activity within their community or around Port Vila is urged to contact police immediately on 7744495 or 7347520.
