An Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft, with registration number 5N-MJF, made a safe diversion to Benin Airport on Wednesday after experiencing an engine issue mid-flight, 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 disclosed that the aircraft was operating a scheduled domestic service from Lagos to Port Harcourt when the incident occurred.
According to the statement, the flight crew observed abnormal engine indications while cruising. In response, they followed established safety protocols by shutting down the affected engine as a precaution and rerouting the aircraft to the nearest appropriate airport.
The NSIB confirmed that the plane landed safely in Benin, with passengers and crew members disembarking without incident. No injuries were recorded.
Initial visual checks carried out at the airport indicated substantial damage to the impacted engine, based on early observations.
In accordance with its legal responsibilities and global aviation standards under ICAO Annex 13, the Bureau has launched a formal investigation into the occurrence. A preliminary response team is on its way to Benin to secure the aircraft, gather evidence, interview crew and other relevant individuals, and retrieve data from the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.
The NSIB said it is collaborating with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other relevant stakeholders to establish the sequence of events and identify any contributing factors.
A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a comprehensive final report will be released at the end of the investigative process.
“The safety of passengers, crew, and the public remains our highest priority,” Mrs. Oladeji stated.
She also urged anyone with useful information regarding the incident to reach out to the Bureau through its official communication channels.
The NSIB assured the public that additional updates will be shared as the investigation progresses.
What you should know
An Arik Air Boeing 737 en route from Lagos to Port Harcourt diverted safely to Benin after the crew detected abnormal engine indications mid-flight.
The pilots shut down the affected engine in line with safety procedures and landed without injuries. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has launched a probe in collaboration with aviation authorities and the airline.
A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report will follow at the end of the investigation.
