The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has reported that an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL, registered as 5N-MJF, operating a domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt, experienced an in-flight engine problem on Wednesday but safely diverted to Benin Airport.
According to NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the flight crew detected abnormal engine indications during the cruise phase and followed standard safety procedures by shutting down the affected engine and diverting to the nearest suitable airport. All passengers and crew disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported.
Preliminary observations at Benin Airport suggest significant damage to the engine, prompting NSIB to launch a formal investigation in line with ICAO Annex 13 standards. An assessment team has been dispatched to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview personnel, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.
The Bureau said it is collaborating with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and any contributing factors to the incident.