NSG conducts counter-insurgency exercise in Visakhapatnam
The National Security Guard (NSG) conducted a four-day High Risk Operational Job (HROJ) exercise in Visakhapatnam from February 2 to 5 to assess preparedness against potential Naxal and terror threats in the region.
The exercise simulated real-life combat conditions, with personnel practising operational strategies and tactics based on the prevailing modus operandi of Naxal groups. Officials said the drill aimed to anticipate possible threats and rehearse coordinated procedures to establish a robust security grid.
Personnel from the Andhra Pradesh Police, including Greyhounds and OCTOPUS units, participated in the exercise as first responders. Central armed police forces and civil agencies, including the Central Reserve Police Force, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, the State Disaster Response Force, the Forest Department, the Fire Services, medical teams, and intelligence agencies, provided operational and logistical support.
Key operational components of the exercise included hostage rescue operations, counter-improvised explosive device procedures, and jungle warfare tactics. The focus, officials said, was on improving inter-agency coordination, interoperability, and swift decision-making in high-risk situations.
After the exercise, the NSG organised a display of weapons and equipment used in HROJ scenarios, offering participants insights into the deployment of modern operational tools.
Dr. Sumit Garud, IPS, Group Commander (Operations), Greyhounds, commended the NSG for conducting the exercise and said it had provided a valuable platform to strengthen coordination between central forces and the State police.
NSG officials said such exercises were essential to enhance operational preparedness and enable responders to make timely, informed decisions during emergencies. They added that the exercise would strengthen collaborative capabilities among the NSG, Greyhounds, and OCTOPUS, improving response mechanisms during naxal- or terror-related incidents and ensuring public safety.