The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered underground tunnels at a heavily fortified suspected drug hideout in Asaba, Delta State, while investigating possible links to other criminal activities, including kidnapping.
The tunnels were discovered 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 three days attempting to gain access to the building before using a blowtorch to breach its roof.
He said the facility had several layers of fortified iron doors and underground passages allegedly used by suspects to escape during security operations.
According to Akachukwu, several suspects fled during the raid, raising concerns about the possible use of the tunnels for criminal activities beyond drug trafficking.
He said the command was investigating a possible link between the facility and kidnapping but had yet to establish any connection.
The operatives reportedly recovered substances known locally as “Loud” and “Ice”, as well as PVC gum and other materials suspected to be connected to drug dealing. Some of the suspected operators allegedly escaped with part of the substances.
A man identified as Yakubu was arrested after reportedly arriving at the premises to purchase drugs. Akachukwu said the suspect began negotiating with an operative he mistook for a worker at the outlet.
The spokesman added that further arrests were expected as investigations continued.
The command is also examining a notebook reportedly recovered at the scene, which allegedly contained entries suggesting payments to security personnel. However, the NSCDC has not identified the personnel or agencies mentioned, and the contents of the notebook have not been independently verified.
A resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said people had visited the property at different hours for years.
The resident, who claimed to have lived in the area for more than six years, alleged that customers could obtain substances through an opening in the structure without meeting the suppliers directly. He also reported frequent late-night visits by vehicles and young people.
He urged the state government and security agencies to consider demolishing the structure and sealing the tunnels, arguing that arrests alone might not prevent the suspected operation from resuming.
Akachukwu said investigations were ongoing to establish the ownership of the property and identify those behind its alleged activities.
He added that the location would remain under surveillance to prevent further operations while the investigation continued.
The NSCDC said the investigation would determine the purpose of the tunnels, the identities of those operating the suspected drug outlet and whether other individuals were involved.
The allegations against the suspects, including claims concerning possible links to kidnapping and payments to security personnel, remain subject to investigation and proof before a court of law.