The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft, with registration number 5N-MJF, operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt on Wednesday, experienced an in-flight engine problem that forced an emergency diversion.
According to the Bureau, the aircraft safely diverted and landed at Benin Airport after the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines during the cruise phase of the flight.
In a statement, the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, explained that the pilots followed established safety procedures by shutting down the affected engine as a precaution before heading to the nearest suitable airport.
“In accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin,” the statement read.
The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked safely, with no injuries reported.
However, preliminary observations at the diversion airport revealed significant damage to the affected engine, based on an initial visual assessment.
The NSIB has since launched a formal investigation into the incident in line with international aviation safety standards under ICAO Annex 13 and Nigerian civil aviation regulations. A preliminary assessment team is on its way to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and retrieve flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.
The Bureau is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other relevant stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and any contributing factors.
NSIB stated that a preliminary report will be released within 30 days, while a final report will be published after the investigation is concluded.
Reaffirming that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority, the Bureau urged members of the public with relevant information about the incident to contact the agency through official channels.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
