The Vanuatu Government has confirmed that for the first time it has authorised police to be armed to hunt for two escaped prisoners, believed to be carrying guns.
Six prisoners broke out of Port Vila jail earlier this month.
Four have since been recaptured but the two still on the run are listed as highly dangerous with reports they armed themselves with guns after breaking into a house.
Both police and members of the paramilitary are hunting the two men.
Police Commissioner, Robert Diniro has appealed to the men to surrender or risk being shot.
