Sri Vijaya Puram, A three-member team from the Chennai-based 27 Special Composite Group, which functions as an elite counter-terrorism regional hub of the National Security Guard, is concluding a six-day evaluation of the operational preparedness of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police, according to officials.
The counter-terrorism capability assessment began on October 5 under the supervision of a senior NSG officer. A total of 68 commandos took part in the evaluation process, undertaking demanding exercises such as night-firing practice to measure their ability to react to security threats.
The evaluation reviewed critical operational components, including commando numbers, weaponry and gear, specialized units, standard operating procedures, mobility, and general combat readiness. The NSG personnel inspected multiple units of the island force, administered physical efficiency tests, and executed a simulated hostage-rescue exercise at the NSCB Police Training Institute in Prothrapur.
Director General of Police Ravindra Singh Yadav told PTI that the review served as a vital measure to assess and bolster the counter-terrorism capabilities of the police department. He noted that such evaluations assist in pinpointing areas that need refinement, boosting operational readiness, and guaranteeing an effective reaction to modern security risks, while underscoring the force's dedication to protecting the islands.
Yadav added that the commandos demonstrated strong performance throughout the drills and indicated that similar capability evaluations will remain an ongoing practice.
This initiative follows a recent two-week specialized training program conducted jointly by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police and the NSG, which focused on personal security officer responsibilities and tactical driving. That program was designed to improve the capabilities of personnel handling VVIP protection and close-protection assignments, involving 100 officers in total.
Overall, the latest capability assessment was structured to upgrade the professional standards of the regional police through targeted training and hands-on drills, thereby reinforcing the broader coastal security infrastructure of the Union Territory.