(http://peoplesdailyng.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Ukranian-plane-detained-in-Kano.jpg) (http://peoplesdailyng.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Ukranian-plane-detained-in-Kano.jpg)From Edwin Olofu, Kano
There was a security scare in Kano yesterday as an Ukrainian air cargo was impounded at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) by security operatives for about twelve hours for carrying suspected military hardware.
But the plane was released 12 hours later after security clearance.
Security sources at the MAKIA told our reporter that the Ukraine- Russian made Antonovo air cargo was impounded shortly after it landed at about 2.am.
The source added that immediately after the nine crew members were taken to a hotel in the city, a combined team of military men and operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) arrived and cordoned off the aircraft and remained there for about twelve hours.
The source further revealed that the air cargo made a stop over in Kano to refuel and the crew needed to rest before heading to its destination in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
On their return to MAKIA, the crew members were quizzed by security operatives for several hours before they were allowed to take off at 1.47.pm. An airport official who did not want his name in print told Peoples Daily that the air cargo got security clearance before it made a stop over in Kano
When contacted the Military spokesman in Kano, Captain Ikedichi Iweha, declined to speak, pointing out that our reporter should contact the airport authorities.
However, the Regional General Manager, North, of the Federal Airport authority (FAAN), Ibrahim Daiyabu Suleiman, said anything that has to do with weapons is a state issue, clarifying however that as authorities of the airport, the air cargo didn't violate any of their rules.
Suleiman added that they paid for parking charges, landing charges and other bills and that they have no problem with them.
Meanwhile, similar incidence occurred in June 2009 when the same Ukrainian Cargo plane loaded with weapons was impounded by Nigerian security operatives.
The plane, believed to be heading to Equatorial Guinea had suddenly made a technical landing in Kano but was subjected to serious search by eagle-eyed operatives who discovered large quantity of arms and ammunition inside it.
A number of arrests were subsequently made when the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) took over the investigation and to date there has not been any official statement from the Federal Government on the issue.
Security sources at the airport then told newsmen that the decision to let the impounded plane off the hook was informed by the prima facie established that the plane belonged to Equatorial Defence Ministry to avoid diplomatic row with a maritime neighbour.
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