One of deposed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's sons, Saadi Gaddafi, arrived yesterday in Niger, a government spokesman said.

"Today, September 11, a patrol of the Nigerien armed forces intercepted a convoy in which was found one of Gaddafi's sons," Marou Amadou said last night.

It was Saadi Gaddafi, "the footballer", said Amadou, who is also Niger's justice minister.

"At this moment the convoy is en route to Agadez (northern Niger). The convoy could arrive in Niamey between now and tomorrow," he added.

Saadi, 38, the third of Gaddafi's seven sons, is known as a playboy who renounced a football career in 2004 to join the army, where he led an elite unit.

Niger vowed Friday to respect international commitments if wanted Libyans entered its territory, and confirmed that three Gaddafi-era generals, including his air force chief, Al-Rifi Ali Al-Sharif, had arrived in Agadez.

Niamey has confirmed allowing in a dozen Gaddafi aides, including his internal security chief Mansour Daw, for "humanitarian reasons".

They are being held under house arrest in Niamey, in a tightly guarded state-owned villa on the banks of the Niger river.

Sources said more Gaddafi loyalists in a dozen vehicles arrived in Agadez Friday, escorted by Nigerien troops.

Niamey has denied that Muammar Gaddafi himself was on its soil.

Saadi Gaddafi said on August 21 he was ready to give himself up "if my surrender stops the spilling of blood."

Officials of Libya's new ruling council gave assurances at the time that his life would be safe if he gave himself up.

The whereabouts of Muammar Gaddafi and his pre-revolution heir apparent Seif al-Islam remain unknown since the fall of Tripoli last month.

The International Criminal Court has issued warrants for the two men and other Gaddafi loyalists for alleged crimes against humanity.