The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a network of underground passages inside a fortified property suspected of being used for drug-related activities in Asaba, Delta State.
The discovery was made on Monday, October 12, after officers forced their way into the building at Fallingwater Colehouse, Yahweh Close, off Akara Junction, along the 74 Junction–Asaba Specialist Hospital axis.
According to the corps, its patrol team had spent three days attempting to enter the property before breaking through the roof with a blowtorch.
Speaking after the operation, the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Anthony Akachukwu, described the building as heavily secured, explaining that officers encountered multiple barriers before gaining access.
“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 a blowtorch to access this little building from the top,” Akachukwu told journalists after the operation.
He said the team found several reinforced iron doors and underground routes believed to have provided escape options for people inside whenever security operatives approached.
“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 time when they are being checked or chased after,” he said.
Several suspects reportedly fled before officers could apprehend them. The discovery of the passages has also prompted investigators to examine whether the premises may have served purposes beyond the suspected drug trade.
Akachukwu said the command was looking into a possible connection with kidnapping, but stressed that investigators had not confirmed any such involvement.
Items recovered during the raid reportedly included substances known as “Loud” and “Ice”, PVC gum and other materials suspected to be associated with the operation. The command said some individuals escaped with part of the substances.
One man, identified as Yakubu, was arrested after allegedly arriving at the property to purchase drugs. According to the spokesman, the man reportedly began discussing a purchase with an operative, believing the officer was an attendant at the outlet.
The NSCDC said efforts were underway to track down those who escaped and establish the full extent of the suspected operation.
“We intend to make more arrests, and then at the end of the arrests necessary actions will be taken,” he said.
Investigators are also reviewing a notebook reportedly collected from the premises. The command said its entries appeared to suggest that payments had been made to security personnel.
No names of the alleged recipients or their agencies have been disclosed. The claims contained in the notebook have not been independently verified.
A resident who declined to give his name for security reasons claimed that unusual visits to the property had been taking place for years. He said he had lived in the neighbourhood for over six years and had occasionally noticed suspicious activity around the building.
He alleged that people could obtain substances through an opening in the structure without meeting the suppliers face-to-face. He also claimed that vehicles and young people frequently visited the location at night.
The resident called on the state government and security agencies to consider bringing down the structure and sealing the underground routes, warning that simply arresting suspects might not prevent a return to the alleged activities.
Meanwhile, Akachukwu said the command was working to verify the identity of the property owner before making any announcement.
“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 security personnel would continue keeping watch over the location to prevent further suspected activities 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.
Investigators are expected to establish the ownership of the property, identify those behind its alleged operations and determine why the underground passages were constructed. They are also examining whether the location was connected to other criminal activities.
The suspected offences and allegations involving possible payments to security personnel have not been proven in court.
