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NSCDC operatives broke into a heavily fortified property in Asaba after three days of unsuccessful attempts to gain access, cutting through the roof and reinforced iron barriers.
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Security personnel uncovered underground passages suspected to have provided secret escape routes, as several occupants reportedly fled during the operation.
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Suspected illicit drugs, including substances locally called “Loud” and “Ice”, were recovered, while investigators are probing possible links to other criminal activities, including kidnapping.
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A notebook allegedly containing records of payments to security personnel was also recovered, as authorities move to identify the building’s owner and track fleeing suspects.
October 15, (THEWILL) – A heavily fortified building fitted with underground passages suspected to have served as secret escape routes has been uncovered in Asaba, Delta State, deepening concerns over an alleged drug operation and possible wider criminal activities within the premises.
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) discovered an operation at Fallingwater Colehouse, Yahweh Close, off Akara Junction, along the 74 Junction–Asaba Specialist Hospital axis.
THEWILL reports that the operation, carried out on Monday, October 12, followed what the NSCDC described as a difficult attempt to penetrate the premises, with its patrol team reportedly spending three days trying to gain access.
According to the command, the building was protected by several layers of reinforced barriers, forcing operatives to deploy a blowtorch to cut through the roof before entering.
Delta State NSCDC Public Relations Officer, DSC Anthony Akachukwu, told journalists that officers encountered several reinforced iron doors as they advanced into the property.
It was inside the premises, however, that operatives made the discovery that has widened the investigation beyond the suspected drug operation.
Security personnel found multiple underground passages which investigators suspect may have been constructed or used to enable occupants to escape whenever security agencies approached the property.
Several suspects reportedly escaped during the raid, and investigators are now seeking to establish where the passages lead, how extensive they are, and whether they served purposes beyond evading arrest.
The NSCDC is also investigating whether activities at the property had any connection with kidnapping or other crimes. The command has, however, not established such a link, and the kidnapping angle remains an investigative lead rather than a confirmed finding.
During a search of the premises, operatives recovered substances locally known as “Loud” and “Ice”, as well as PVC gum and other materials suspected to be associated with illicit drug activities.
The command said some occupants escaped with an unspecified quantity of the suspected substances before security personnel could apprehend them.
One person identified simply as Yakubu was, however, arrested in circumstances the NSCDC said could provide investigators with additional information about the suspected operation.
According to Akachukwu, Yakubu arrived at the premises allegedly intending to buy drugs after operatives had gained control of the property.
Apparently unaware that security personnel had taken over the premises, he allegedly approached an operative and began negotiating for drugs, believing the officer was connected to the outlet. He was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.
Notebook Raises Fresh Questions
The investigation has taken another dimension following the recovery of a notebook which the NSCDC said contained entries appearing to indicate payments to security personnel.
The command has neither identified any security officer nor named an agency allegedly connected with the entries.
There is also no independent confirmation that the entries represent actual payments or that any security personnel received money from operators of the premises.
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Residents Recount Suspicious Movements
A resident of the area, who requested anonymity because of security concerns, said activities around the building had attracted attention long before the NSCDC operation.
According to him, he had lived in the neighbourhood for more than six years and occasionally noticed unusual movements around the property at different periods of the day and late into the night.
He alleged that people regularly visited the premises and that suspected substances could be obtained through an opening in the building without customers having direct contact with those inside.
The resident also claimed that vehicles and young people frequently visited the location, raising questions about how long the suspected operation had existed.
He urged the Delta State Government and security agencies to consider demolishing the structure and permanently sealing the underground passages, arguing that arrests alone might not prevent criminal elements from returning to the premises.
Mystery Over Ownership
One of the major questions confronting investigators is the ownership of the fortified property.
The NSCDC has yet to disclose the identity of its owner or establish publicly whether the owner had knowledge of the alleged activities taking place there.
Akachukwu said investigators were working to determine ownership but would not disclose names until the information had been properly established.
The command also said security personnel would maintain surveillance around the property to prevent suspects from returning while efforts continue to apprehend those who escaped.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
