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The 35-member Operation Vanguard contingent comprising 31 officers from the Singapore Police Force (SPF), two officers from the Health Sciences Authority’s (HSA) Forensic Medicine Division, and two officers from HTX (Home Team Science and Technology) Integrated Forensics Service, has returned safely to Singapore after supporting Nepal’s disaster relief efforts following the flash floods along the Nepal-China border.

Deployed from 1 to 18 September 2026 at the request of the Nepali authorities, the contingent provided specialist support in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) and aerial surveillance. Working alongside their Nepali counterparts, the officers conducted post-mortem examinations, fingerprint recording and identification, and trained officers from the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force in drone operations to strengthen Nepal’s longer-term disaster response capabilities.

A reception was held at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir on 26 September 2026 to recognise the contributions of the deployed officers and more than 100 personnel, as well as external stakeholders who supported the mission from Singapore. Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs, attended as Guest-of-Honour. Family members, and senior representatives from MHA, SPF, HSA and HTX were also present.

Minister Edwin Tong thanked the contingent for representing Singapore with professionalism, resilience and compassion, and acknowledged the families, planners, coordinators, logistics teams and partner agencies whose support enabled the mission to be executed effectively.

The SPF commends all officers and partner agencies whose readiness, dedication and professionalism contributed to the success of the mission.

Photo of Commissioner of Police How Kwang Hwee receiving officers from the airport

Minister Edwin Tong giving an opening speech

Minister Edwin Tong interacting with officers and guests

Group photo of Operation Vanguard officers together with senior representatives from MHA, SPF, HSA and HTX