By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered underground tunnels in a heavily fortified building suspected to be a drug distribution centre in Asaba, Delta State, raising concerns about possible links to other criminal activities.

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 to Asaba Specialist Hospital axis.

The Delta State NSCDC Public Relations Officer, DSC Anthony Akachukwu, said operatives encountered significant resistance while attempting to gain access to the building, eventually using a blowtorch to penetrate its roof after three days of unsuccessful efforts.

Akachukwu explained that the structure had several layers of reinforced iron doors and concealed underground passages, which were allegedly used by occupants to escape security operatives during raids. He said the discovery of the tunnels had raised suspicions that the facility might have served purposes beyond drug distribution.

According to him, several suspects escaped during the operation. The command is investigating a possible connection between the facility and kidnapping, although no such link has been established.

The operatives reportedly recovered substances known locally as “Loud” and “Ice”, alongside PVC gum and other materials suspected to be associated with drug-related activities. The command also alleged that some of the occupants escaped with part of the substances during the operation.

A man identified as Yakubu was arrested after allegedly arriving at the premises to purchase drugs. Akachukwu said the suspect reportedly began negotiating with an operative whom he mistook for a member of the suspected drug distribution network.

The NSCDC spokesman said investigations were continuing, adding that the command expected to make further arrests before taking appropriate legal action against those found culpable.

The command is also examining a notebook reportedly recovered from the premises, which allegedly contains entries suggesting that payments were made to security personnel. However, the identities of the individuals or agencies mentioned in the document have not been disclosed, and the contents and authenticity of the notebook have not been independently verified.

A resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said unusual movements around the property had been observed for several years. The resident, who claimed to have lived in the area for more than six years, alleged that people visited the premises at different times, including late at night.

The resident further claimed that customers could obtain substances through an opening in the structure without having direct contact with the suppliers. He urged the Delta State Government and security agencies to consider demolishing the building and sealing the underground passages to prevent the suspected operation from resuming.

Akachukwu said investigations were underway to establish ownership of the property, adding that the command would not release unverified information to the public. He also confirmed that operatives would maintain surveillance around the location while the investigation continued.

The ongoing investigation is expected to determine who owned or controlled the property, the identities of those allegedly operating the suspected drug outlet, the purpose of the underground tunnels and whether the facility was connected to kidnapping or other criminal activities.

The allegations against the arrested suspect and other individuals remain subject to investigation and proof before a court of law.