The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated a formal probe into an in-flight engine anomaly involving an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft, registration number 5N-MJF, which forced the plane to divert safely to Benin Airport earlier today.
The incident occurred on a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos (Murtala Muhammed International Airport) to Port Harcourt (Port Harcourt International Airport). According to the NSIB, during the cruise phase, the flight crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines.
Following standard safety protocols, the pilots performed a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin (Benin Airport, BNI).The aircraft landed without further incident, and all passengers and crew members disembarked normally. No injuries were reported among the approximately 80 people on board.
Preliminary visual assessments at Benin Airport revealed significant damage to the affected engine. In line with its mandate and international standards under ICAO Annex 13, the NSIB has commenced a full investigation. A preliminary assessment team is heading to Benin to secure the aircraft, gather evidence, interview crew and witnesses, and retrieve data from the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.
Arik Air described the event as involving a loud bang from the left engine during descent toward Port Harcourt, prompting the immediate diversion as a precautionary measure.
The airline confirmed the safe handling of the situation and is arranging onward transportation for affected passengers while conducting its own technical inspections.
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