The Nigerian Airforce has released an Antonov aircraft said to be carrying some military hardware arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in the early hours of Saturday, December 6, 2014.
The aircraft was released to the French Government on Monday.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Molusola Amosu, who authorized the release noted that even though the French Government had a block clearance for the year, it did not have the clearance to operate that category of flight in the country.
He, however, added that after thorough investigation, the aircraft was not found wanting in anyway.
He noted that the diversion was in line with standard practices world over.
On his part, the French Defence attaché explained that the aircraft was carrying helicopters and Christmas presents for its soldiers stationed in the Chadian capital.