Russian cargo plane impounded in Kano, Security agencies begin investigation

Security operatives in Nigeria have impounded a Russian cargo plane with registration number AN124100RA82038 conveying arms and ammunition from Bangui, Central African Republic, to Ndjamena, the capital city of Chad. The plane was impounded at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

The Russian plane flight number TFT9042 had seven crew members and was said to have landed at the Airport at about 9.00am to refuel.

Security sources at the Airport told Sunday Vanguard that “the security operatives at the airport sought to screen the manifest of the Russian cargo, and ”it was in the process that we discovered that the cargo was laden with assorted weapons of war”.

The manifest obtained by Sunday Vanguard indicate that there were about 24 packages of assorted weapons weighing 19,707 kilogrammes.

The weapons also include, a steel box weighing 2600kg, 6 Bulk also weighing 597kg, 22 pallets 10000Ibs weighing 2746kg, two number blade7.31m, also weighing 680kg.

Other items in the manifest titled: JSC “Kun224” includes 6 AKN weighing 720kg, 1 vehicle weighing 4050kg and 2 pallets 10000Ibs also weighing 2800kg.

Sunday Vanguard learnt that the seven crew members have been taken into custody for interrogation on the order of the Airport Commander, Wing Commander Imoke.

Commenting on the development, the General Manager, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Mr. Yakubu Datti, revealed that “ the pilot of the seized Cargo plane sought for permission to land at the airport following technical hitches.”

Indications emerged yesterday that security agencies have swung into action to unravel the destination of the arms.

Security sources said the interception and arrest of the suspicious Russian made Antonov aircraft at the Aminu Kano International airport was made possible by a super sensitive security alert system which revealed that a helicopter was tucked in it.

Military sources further disclosed that the investigation which is intense, involves the use of diplomatic means to unravel the mission of the aircraft, its origin and destination.

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