NSCDC Finds Hidden Tunnels Beneath Suspected Drug Den in Delta State

A suspected drug outlet in Asaba, Delta State, has been found to contain underground tunnels, according to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, which says it is looking into whether the fortified property served other criminal purposes as well. The agency's Commandant's Patrol Team made the discovery during an operation carried out on Monday, October 12, at Fallingwater Colehouse Yahweh Close, off Akara Junction, along the 74 Junction to Asaba Specialist Hospital route, the command said. Command spokesman DSC Anthony Akachukwu told journalists that it took operatives three days of effort before they could get inside the building, finally entering from above with a blowtorch. "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," he said. Once past the roof, officers came across additional panels and successive layers of reinforced iron doors, Akachukwu said. Inside what he described as the drug hideout, they found multiple tunnels that he said criminals used to slip away whenever they were being checked or pursued. According to the spokesman, a number of suspects got away during the raid. He said the scale and design of the tunnels led investigators to consider whether the premises had been used for purposes other than the suspected drug trade. A possible link to kidnapping is being examined, though the command has not confirmed any such connection. Operatives reportedly seized substances known locally as "Loud" and "Ice", along with PVC gum and other items. The command alleged that some suspected operators escaped with more substances. One man, identified as Yakubu, was taken into custody after he allegedly came to buy drugs while the operation was still going on. Akachukwu said the man started negotiating with an officer he apparently believed was working at the outlet. "We intend to make more arrests and then at the end of the arrests necessary actions will be taken," the spokesman said. Investigators are also reviewing a notebook said to have been found at the property, which the command says contained entries suggesting payments to security personnel. The NSCDC has not named any personnel or agencies allegedly referenced, and the notebook's contents and authenticity have not been independently confirmed. A resident, who spoke anonymously citing security concerns, told Punch that visitors had come to the property at various hours over a period of years. He said customers could get substances through an opening without meeting suppliers face to face, and claimed cars and young people showed up regularly late at night. The resident called on the state government and security agencies to consider tearing down the structure and closing off the tunnels, voicing concern that arrests on their own might not stop the suspected operation from starting up again. Akachukwu said investigators are trying to determine who owns the property. "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 officers would keep the site under surveillance while making further arrests and collecting evidence that could be used in court. The investigation is expected to look into who controlled the premises, what the tunnels were built for, and whether other people were involved. The allegations against the suspects, including the claims about security personnel, remain unproven.