The Arsenal legend, 41, reported the money missing when he reached Kaliningrad, where he was playing in a World Cup curtain raiser game organised by FIFA.
Lt-Col Irina Volk, spokeswoman for the Russian Interior Ministry, said the loaders were dealing with the baggage from a London to Moscow flight.
'The stolen cash was removed (from the loaders) and will soon be returned to the owner', she said.
The loaders, aged 30 and 36, who have been arrested could be sent to jail for up to six years.
'The FIFA World Cup is the greatest football tournament on the planet - every team dreams of being part of it and I am sure it will be a very special event in Russia.
'Nigeria will be a big surprise, for sure. We have good young and talented players; they are hungry for victories and want to do well - for themselves and for the country.'
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