The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has uncovered underground tunnels at a heavily fortified suspected drug hideout in Asaba, Delta State, amid investigations into whether the facility was used for other criminal activities.
The NSCDC said its Commandant’s Patrol Team discovered the tunnels during an operation on Monday, October 12, at Fallingwater Colehouse Yahweh Close, off Akara Junction, along the 74 Junction–Asaba Specialist Hospital axis.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Anthony Akachukwu, said operatives spent several days trying to gain access to the building before using a blowtorch to break through its roof.
“This little place that you have seen captured is a very fortified hideout. It will surprise you that after making attempts for three days, they only got through today because they had to use blowtorch to access this little building from the top,” Akachukwu told journalists after the operation.
He said operatives encountered several layers of fortified iron doors and underground passages allegedly used by people inside the building to escape security operatives.
“After blowing through the top, we discovered other panels, layers of fortified iron doors and, getting into the drug hideout, we discovered that there are several tunnels which the criminals here used to escape most of the times when they are being checked or chased after,” he said.
Akachukwu said several suspects escaped during the operation, adding that the size and layout of the tunnels had raised concerns that the facility might have been used for activities beyond drug dealing.
He said the command was investigating a possible link to kidnapping but had yet to establish whether the facility was used for such crimes.
The operatives reportedly recovered substances locally known as “Loud” and “Ice”, as well as PVC gum and other materials allegedly associated with the suspected drug trade. The command said some of the suspected operators escaped with part of the substances.
A man identified as Yakubu was arrested after allegedly arriving at the location to buy drugs during the operation. According to Akachukwu, the man reportedly began negotiating with an operative he mistook for someone working at the outlet.
The spokesman said investigations were ongoing and more arrests were expected.
“We intend to make more arrests and then at the end of the arrests necessary actions will be taken,” he said.
The command is also investigating a notebook reportedly recovered at the scene, which it said contained entries suggesting that payments had been made to security personnel.
However, the NSCDC has not publicly identified the personnel or agencies allegedly mentioned in the document. The contents and authenticity of the notebook have yet to be independently verified.
A resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, claimed that people had visited the location at different hours for years. He said he had lived in the area for more than six years and had occasionally noticed unusual movements around the property.
The resident alleged that customers could obtain substances through an opening in the structure without meeting the suppliers directly. He also claimed that vehicles and young people frequently visited the area late at night.
He urged the state government and security agencies to consider demolishing the structure and sealing the underground passages, arguing that arrests alone might not prevent the suspected operation from resuming.
Akachukwu said the command was investigating the ownership of the property but would not disclose details until they had been verified.
“Investigations are ongoing to uncover the owner of the property. We already have information, but nothing will be made public until some ascertaining is done,” he said.
He added that the location would remain under surveillance while investigations continued.
“The scene of the crime will be under watch. Our men are still going to hang on here to ensure that it does not continue, at least until further arrests are made before any other investigation will be concluded for necessary court action,” he said.
The investigation is expected to establish who controlled the property, who operated the suspected drug outlet, the purpose of the tunnels and whether other individuals were involved in the alleged activities.
The allegations against the suspects and any claims involving security personnel remain subject to investigation and proof before a court of law.