diplomatic level.”
“Security agencies of the two countries have also been exchanging notes on the case. The deal borders on serious security issues which cannot be released to the public,” he said.
A third security source gave background to the case at hand and why South Africa joined issues with the government.
The source added: “South Africa intercepted the cash because of non-declaration of the items at the airport. If the team had completed all formalities, no one would have heard of it.
“So, alleged breach of protocol by those on errands for the intelligence service in the country caused thus upset.”
Responding to a question, the source said: “The team went to South Africa with the huge sum because of urgent security concerns.
“Whether in the UK, USA or any other country, you make direct purchase of arms in a crisis situation like the ones we are in Nigeria.
“The same scenario is obtainable in Syria, Iraq and even in Gaza but no one talks of it.”
The source said: “We are streamlining the process, the cash will surely be made available to the relevant agents or firms in South Africa.
“The $9.3million was not a slush cash or smuggled for questionable pursuits in South Africa.”