The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered underground tunnels at a heavily fortified building suspected of being used as a drug hideout in Asaba, Delta State.

The discovery was made on Monday, October 12, during an operation at Fallingwater Colehouse, Yahweh Close, off Akara Junction, along the 74 Junction–Asaba Specialist Hospital axis.

According to the NSCDC, the operation was conducted following intelligence reports about suspected drug-related activities at the property.

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 break through its roof.

Fortified Doors, Underground Passages Discovered

Akachukwu said operatives encountered several layers of reinforced iron doors before gaining entry into the building, where they discovered underground passages believed to have been used as escape routes.

He said the tunnels raised concerns about whether the property was being used for criminal activities beyond suspected drug dealing.

“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,” he said.

The spokesman added that several suspects escaped during the operation.

The corps is investigating a possible connection between the facility and kidnapping, although it has not established that the tunnels were used for abductions or other offences.

Suspected Drugs, Other Materials Recovered

During the operation, operatives reportedly recovered substances locally known as “Loud” and “Ice”, alongside PVC gum and other materials suspected to be connected with the alleged drug trade.

The command said some suspected operators escaped with part of the substances.

A man identified as Yakubu was arrested after allegedly arriving at the location to purchase drugs during the operation.

According to Akachukwu, the man began negotiating with an operative whom he reportedly mistook for someone selling drugs at the facility.

The suspect remains subject to investigation, and the allegations against him have not been established in court.

NSCDC Investigates Possible Links to Other Crimes

The command also said it was examining a notebook reportedly recovered at the scene. According to the NSCDC, the entries appeared to suggest that payments had been made to security personnel.

However, the command has not publicly identified any personnel or agencies allegedly mentioned in the document. The contents and authenticity of the notebook have not been independently verified.

Akachukwu said investigations were ongoing to establish the ownership of the property and identify other people connected with the suspected operation.

He added that the location would remain under surveillance while officers continued efforts to make further arrests.

The command said additional action would be taken after investigations were concluded.

Investigation Continues

The discovery has raised questions about how the building was operated and whether its underground passages served purposes beyond those initially suspected by investigators.

The NSCDC said the ongoing investigation would focus on identifying those responsible for the property, determining the purpose of the tunnels and establishing whether other criminal activities were linked to the site.

Authorities have yet to confirm any connection between the facility and kidnapping.