The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Delta State Command, has uncovered a heavily fortified suspected drug hideout in Asaba, the state capital, where operatives discovered underground tunnels believed to have been used as escape routes and recovered suspected illicit substances.
The operation was carried out by the Commandant’s Patrol Team around Fallingwater Colehouse Yahweh Close, off Akara Junction, along the 74 Junction–Asaba Specialist Hospital axis, following intelligence reports on suspected drug-dealing activities in the area.
The Command’s spokesman, DSC Anthony Akachukwu, said operatives spent several days trying to gain access to the building before eventually breaching its roof 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 a blowtorch to access this little building from the top,” Akachukwu told journalists after the operation.
He said operatives discovered several layers of fortified iron doors and underground passages allegedly used by occupants to escape security raids.
“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.
Akachukwu disclosed that several suspects escaped during the operation, adding that the size and layout of the tunnels raised concerns that the facility may have been used for activities beyond drug dealing.
He said the Command is investigating a possible link to kidnapping, although it has yet to establish whether the facility was used for such crimes.
Operatives reportedly recovered substances locally known as “Loud” and “Ice,” as well as PVC gum and other materials allegedly linked to the drug trade. The Command said some of the suspected operators escaped with part of the substances.
One man, identified as Yakubu, was arrested after allegedly arriving at the location to purchase drugs during the operation. According to Akachukwu, the suspect reportedly began negotiating with an operative whom he mistook for a dealer at the outlet.
He said investigations are ongoing and more arrests are 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 allegedly contained entries suggesting payments were made to security operatives.
The NSCDC has not publicly identified the personnel or agencies allegedly mentioned in the document, and the contents and authenticity of the notebook have not been independently verified.
Akachukwu said the Command is investigating the ownership of the property but will not disclose details until they are 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 pending the conclusion of investigations.
“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 others were involved in the alleged activities.
The allegations against the suspects, as well as any claims involving security personnel, remain subject to investigation and proof before a court of law.
