An underground tunnel at a heavily fortified suspected drug hideout has been uncovered at Fallingwater Colehouse Yahweh Close, off Akara Junction, along the 74 Junction–Asaba Specialist Hospital axis, Delta State.
Penpushing reports that the Commandant’s Patrol Team of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NCDC) uncovered the hideout amid investigations into whether the facility was used for other criminal activities.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Anthony Akachukwu, in a statement said operatives spent several days trying to gain access to the building before using a blowtorch to break through its roof.
“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 blowtorch to access this little building from the top,” Akachukwu said.
Penpushing further reports that he told journalists after the operation that operatives encountered several layers of fortified iron doors and underground passages allegedly used by people inside the building to escape security operatives.
“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.
Penpushing also reports that Akachukwu said several suspects escaped during the operation, adding that the size and layout of the tunnels had raised concerns that the facility might have been used for activities beyond drug dealing.
The command spokesperson said the command was investigating a possible link to kidnapping but had yet to establish whether the facility was used for such crimes, adding that the operatives recovered substances locally known as “Loud” and “Ice”, as well as PVC gum and other materials allegedly associated with the suspected drug trade.
Penpushing reports that Akachukwu in the statement said some of the suspected operators escaped with part of the substances, explaining that a man identified as Yakubu was arrested after allegedly arriving at the location to buy drugs during the operation.
The spokesperson stated that the man reportedly began negotiating with an operative he mistook for someone working at the outlet adding that investigations were ongoing and more arrests were expected.
Penpushing further reports that he assured that at the end of the arrests necessary actions will be taken, adding that the command is also investigating a notebook reportedly recovered at the scene, said to contain entries suggesting that payments had been made to security personnel.
The command spokesperson said the command was investigating the ownership of the property but would not disclose details until they had been verified, adding that nothing will be made public until some ascertaining is done
Penpushing also reports that he said the location would remain under surveillance while investigations continued, emphasizing that the operatives will still be much around within the vicinity to ensure the crime does not continue
“Investigations are ongoing to uncover the owner of the property. We already have information, but nothing will be made public until some ascertaining is done. The scene of the crime will be under watch. Our men are still going to hang on here to ensure that it does not continue, at least until further arrests are made before any other investigation will be concluded for necessary court action,” he said.
Penpushing reports that he said investigation is expected to establish who controlled the property, who operated the suspected drug outlet, the purpose of the tunnels and whether other individuals were involved in the alleged activities.
Meanwhile, Akachukwu stated that the allegations against the suspects and any claims involving security personnel remain subject to investigation and proof before a court of law.
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