NSCDC Uncovers Underground Tunnels at Suspected Drug Hideout in Asaba

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered underground tunnels at a heavily fortified building suspected of being used for drug-related activities in Asaba, Delta State, as investigations continue into possible links to other crimes.

The discovery was made on Monday, October 12, by the commandant’s patrol team at Fallingwater Colehouse, Yahweh Close, off Akara Junction, along the 74 Junction–Asaba Specialist Hospital axis. NSCDC spokesperson, DSC Anthony Akachukwu, said operatives spent three days trying to gain access to the property before using a blowtorch to breach its roof.

Akachukwu told journalists after the operation that officers encountered several layers of reinforced iron doors and underground passages inside the building. He alleged that the tunnels had been used by people operating from the facility to escape during security operations.

The spokesperson said several suspects fled during the raid, while operatives recovered substances locally known as “Loud” and “Ice”, alongside PVC gum and other materials suspected to be connected to the alleged drug trade. Some of the substances were reportedly taken away by those who escaped.

A man identified as Yakubu was arrested after allegedly arriving at the location to purchase drugs. According to Akachukwu, the suspect began negotiating with an operative he believed was working at the outlet. The command said investigations were ongoing and further arrests were expected.

The discovery of the tunnels has also prompted investigators to examine whether the property was used for kidnapping or other criminal activities. Akachukwu said the possibility was being investigated but stressed that no link to kidnapping had been established. The command is also examining a notebook reportedly recovered at the scene, which allegedly contained entries suggesting payments to security personnel. The identities of those mentioned and the authenticity of the document have not been independently verified.

A resident who requested anonymity for security reasons claimed that people had visited the property at different hours for several years. The resident alleged that customers could obtain substances through an opening without meeting suppliers directly and called on authorities to consider sealing the structure and its underground passages. These claims have not been independently confirmed.

Akachukwu said the NSCDC was investigating the ownership of the property and would not release details until they had been verified. He added that officers would continue monitoring the location to prevent the suspected activities from resuming while the investigation proceeds. The outcome of the inquiry is expected to clarify who controlled the building, the purpose of the tunnels and whether other individuals were involved.