The Nigerian military on Saturday detained a Russian airplane at the Aminu Kano International Airport with a large cache of AK47 ruffles, bullet proof vests, and other items.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reported that the plane was on its way to neighbouring Chad, but had landed at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport at about 2.00 a.m. as a result of technical hitches.

Crew members of the airplane have been detained while investigations are ongoing, NAN quoted a source as saying, adding that security has since been beefed up at the airport in order to ensure proper investigation.

The general manager of communication, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Yakubu Datti, confirmed the seizure of the plane, explaining that the pilot had sought permission to land at the airport after the plane developed problems.

“The plane had a technical problem and the pilot sought permission to land at the airport’’, said Datti.

He said security agencies had since commenced investigation into the matter.