The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL, registration 5N-MJF, operating a scheduled Lagos–Port Harcourt flight on Wednesday, suffered an in-flight engine anomaly.
The incident prompted an emergency diversion to Benin Airport, where the aircraft landed safely.
The Bureau said all passengers and crew disembarked without incident and no injuries were recorded.
According to the NSIB, preliminary observations at the diversion airport revealed significant damage to the affected engine based on an initial visual assessment.
Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, disclosed in a statement that the abnormality was detected during the cruise phase of the flight.
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“In line with established safety procedures, the crew carried out a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin,” the statement said.
“The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported.
“Preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual assessment.”
The NSIB said it has commenced a full investigation in line with its statutory mandate and international standards under ICAO Annex 13 and relevant Nigerian civil aviation regulations.
A preliminary assessment team, the Bureau added, 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 agency said it is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air and other stakeholders to establish the sequence of events and determine contributory factors.
It noted that a preliminary report will be released within 30 days in accordance with ICAO provisions, while a final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.
Reaffirming that passenger and crew safety remains paramount, the NSIB urged members of the public with relevant information to contact the Bureau through its official channels, assuring that updates will be provided as investigations progress.
