Fiji’s military ruler declared a state of emergency today, one day after seizing power, the country’s media has reported.

Troops entered at least two police compounds in Fiji and grabbed weapons today in the apparent first step towards seizing control of the south Pacific country.

Troops stayed in their barracks as a threatened coup deadline in Fiji passed on Friday, with the country’s defiant military commander enjoying a day at a sporting event while the prime minister left the capital and went into hiding.