Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have successfully exposed a network of underground escape tunnels situated within a heavily fortified and suspected drug sanctuary located in Asaba, Delta State, as authorities deepen their probe into potential connections with other grave criminal enterprises, including kidnapping.
The discovery was made on Monday, 12 October, at Fallingwater Colehouse, Yahweh Close, off Akara Junction, along the 74 Junction–Asaba Specialist Hospital axis.
The NSCDC Delta State Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Anthony Akachukwu, said operatives spent three days attempting to gain access to the building before using a blowtorch to break through its roof.
He said the team encountered several layers of fortified iron doors before discovering underground passages allegedly used by suspects 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,” Akachukwu said.
According to the spokesman, several suspects escaped during the operation, prompting further investigations into the purpose of the tunnels and the possibility that the facility was used for crimes beyond drug dealing.
He said the command was investigating a possible connection to kidnapping but had yet to establish any link.
Items reportedly recovered from the premises included substances locally known as “Loud” and “Ice”, PVC gum and other materials suspected to be associated with the alleged drug trade.
The command said some suspected operators fled with part of the substances during the operation.
A man identified as Yakubu was arrested after allegedly arriving at the location to purchase drugs. Akachukwu said the suspect began negotiating with an operative whom he mistook for someone working at the outlet.
The spokesman said further arrests were expected as investigations continued.
The command is also examining a notebook reportedly recovered from the premises, which allegedly contained entries suggesting payments to security personnel.
However, the NSCDC has not publicly identified any personnel or agencies allegedly mentioned in the document, and its contents have not been independently verified.
Akachukwu said investigations were ongoing to establish the ownership of the property and identify those behind the suspected operation.
He added that the location would remain under surveillance while operatives pursued further arrests and gathered evidence for possible prosecution.
The investigation is expected to establish the purpose of the underground tunnels, the identities of those operating the suspected drug outlet and whether other individuals were involved.
The allegations, including the possible links to kidnapping and claims concerning payments to security personnel, remain subject to investigation.
What You Should Know
Security operatives in Delta State made a shocking discovery when they raided a heavily fortified building in Asaba suspected of serving as a major drug distribution hub. After spending three days trying to breach the premises and using a blowtorch to break through the roof, officers found multiple layers of iron doors and hidden underground tunnels designed to help suspects evade arrest.
- Positive Impact: The crackdown deals a significant blow to local drug networks and helps dismantle criminal infrastructure that could be tied to broader security threats like kidnapping.
- Potential Concerns: The sophistication of the hideout, alongside recovered ledgers allegedly tracking payments to security personnel, highlights deep-rooted corruption risks and underscores the ongoing challenge of securing communities against organized crime syndicates.
