An Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft, registration 5N-MJF, operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt, experienced an in-flight engine anomaly on Wednesday but diverted safely to Benin Airport, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed.
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the Bureau said the flight crew detected abnormal indications on one of the aircraft’s engines during the cruise phase.
According to the NSIB, the crew followed standard safety protocols by conducting a precautionary shutdown of the affected engine and diverting to the nearest suitable airport.
The aircraft landed safely at Benin Airport without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries were reported.
Preliminary observations carried out at the airport suggest significant damage to the affected engine, based on an initial visual assessment.
The NSIB said it has commenced a formal investigation in line with its statutory mandate and international standards under ICAO Annex 13. A preliminary assessment team is en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and retrieve flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.
The Bureau added that it is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and identify any contributing factors.
A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.
“The safety of passengers, crew, and the public remains our highest priority,” Mrs. Oladeji stated.
The NSIB also encouraged members of the public with relevant information to contact the Bureau through its official channels, assuring that further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
