The security situation in the northern region continues to be a dicey situation for the security officials and for the various Jihadist groups. Information available to 247ureports.com indicates that security operatives attached to the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) impounded a Russian Antonov Aircraft, laden with sophisticated military hardware. The arrest came on Saturday night June 15, 2013. Interestingly, the arrested culprits were released shortly after arrest – and the whereabouts of the arrested are reportedly unknown.
The cargo aircraft, which carried the sophisticated weapons, was impounded by the eagle-eyed security operatives at about 8 pm on Saturday night, along its nine-crew members, who were detained for more than 10 hours, citing security reasons.
Sources at the airport said that the Antonov Cargo aircraft made a technical landing, apparently to refuel but on suspicion by the security agents, attached to the airport, they embarked on a search of the aircraft, during which they discovered military weapons.
Sources who preferred anonymity informed that the inspection was carried out on the aircraft and the shocking discovery prompted the security men to demand for the cargo manifest, which indicated that the aircraft was laden with weapons.
Efforts made by this Reporter for comments from the Airport Commandant office proved abortive.
But however, it was gathered that after investigations over the destination and the authenticity of the ownership of the weapons, the Antonov cargo aircraft was released, based on the documents tendered.
The aircraft was eventually released to continue its journey to Kinshasha in Tanzania which is the final destination at about 2 pm on Sunday.
However it will be recalled that in June, 2012, an Ukranian cargo plane was intercepted at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in a similar circumstance and after days of investigations and interrogation, the aircraft and the crew members were released to continue their journey to Malabo in Equatorial Guinea.
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