The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered underground tunnels, multiple layers of reinforced iron doors and suspected escape routes at a heavily fortified building allegedly used as a drug hideout in Asaba, Delta State.
Key Highlights
- NSCDC operatives breached a fortified suspected drug hideout in Asaba after three days of attempts.
- Underground tunnels and reinforced iron doors were found inside the building.
- Substances locally known as Loud and Ice, and PVC gum, were recovered; several suspects escaped.
- A recovered notebook allegedly suggests payments to security personnel; it has not been verified.
- A man identified as Yakubu was arrested; possible kidnapping links are being investigated.
The discovery has raised concerns among security operatives, who are investigating whether the facility was also used for kidnapping and other criminal activities.
The operation was conducted on Monday, October 12, by the NSCDC Commandant’s Patrol Team at Fallingwater Colehouse, Yahweh Close, off Akara Junction, along the 74 Junction–Asaba Specialist Hospital axis.
Three Days To Gain Entry
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Anthony Akachukwu, said operatives struggled for three days to gain access to the building before using a blowtorch to breach its roof.
According to him, the building was heavily fortified, with several security barriers designed to prevent unauthorised entry and enable occupants to evade security operatives.
“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 additional panels, reinforced iron doors and underground passages after gaining entry into the structure.
“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 raid, while the command continues investigations into the purpose of the tunnels and the activities allegedly carried out at the premises.
He said the possibility that the facility was connected to kidnapping was being investigated, but stressed that no such link had been established.
Substances Recovered, One Arrest
During the operation, operatives reportedly recovered substances locally known as Loud and Ice, alongside PVC gum and other materials suspected to be connected to the alleged drug trade.
The command said some of the suspected operators escaped with part of the substances before security personnel could secure the premises.
A man identified as Yakubu was arrested after allegedly arriving at the location to purchase drugs during the raid.
Akachukwu said the suspect reportedly began negotiating with an operative whom he mistook for someone working at the suspected drug outlet.
Read also:
- NSCDC Uncovers Suspected Drug Hideout With Underground Escape Tunnels in Asaba
- Delta Police Boss Vows To Combat Kidnapping, Cultism, Drug Abuse, Violent Crimes
- Asaba Drug Rehabilitation Centre To Commence Operations As Asagba Palace, FMC Sign Agreement
Suspected Bribery Notebook
The NSCDC spokesman added that a notebook recovered at the scene is being examined because some of its entries allegedly suggested that payments have been made to security personnel.
However, the command has not publicly identified any security personnel or agencies allegedly mentioned in the document.
The authenticity of the notebook and the meaning of its entries have also not been independently established.
Akachukwu said investigations were ongoing to establish the ownership of the property and identify those responsible for operating the suspected drug outlet.
He said the command has obtained some information about the property’s ownership but would not disclose details until they have been verified.
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