Nigerian
authorities became suspicious when an Antonov transport plane flying from Central African Republic to Chad diverted off course to Kano . It was impounded with the helicopters
on Saturday, along with two French officers and 18 Russian crew members.
A statement from
French Ambassador Jacques Champagne de Labriolle said the plane rerouted
because of heavy air traffic at N'Djamena, the Chad capital.
He said the plane
was carrying two Gazelle helicopters no longer needed for the French
intervention in Central African Republic ,
and being redeployed to Chad
to support a regional fight against terrorism. The ambassador denied reports
the aircraft also was carrying weapons and ammunition.
The French
statement dated Sunday said two French military officers accompanied the
helicopters. The Russian Embassy said it is negotiating the release of 18
detained Russian crew members. Nigerian authorities earlier had identified the
crew as Ukrainian.
The French Embassy
said Monday that the aircraft had received diplomatic clearance to fly to Kano and that Nigerian
authorities would allow it to continue to N'Djamena soon.
But PR Nigeria,
which issues statements for Nigerian security agencies, quoted unidentified
officers as saying the plane would not be released until investigations are
concluded.
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