Authorities in South Africa on Thursday detained a Russian ship laden with weapons allegedly bound for Lagos, Nigeria.

The vessel which was said to have left Madagascar, was reportedly intercepted near Port Elizabeth in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province.

“We are aware that she has dangerous cargoes – explosives and weapons – on board,” Olwethu Mdabula, spokeswoman for the Transnet State Transport Company told reporters without giving further details.

Confirming the development, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi, a spokesman for the country’s Hawks Police Investigative Unit said the incident was a very sensitive matter which was receiving urgent attention.

The discovery of the ship said to have been stacked with weapons and explosives worth about $3.5 million in 20 containers, followed an anonymous tip-off.