NSIB Investigates Arik Air Engine Incident After Safe Benin Landing

An Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft, registered 5N-MJF, made a safe diversion to Benin Airport (BNI) after experiencing an in-flight engine anomaly while operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos (LOS) to Port Harcourt (PHC) earlier today.
The development was confirmed by Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), who disclosed that the abnormal indication was detected during the aircraft’s cruise phase.
According to the NSIB, the flight crew immediately implemented standard safety procedures, including a precautionary shutdown of the affected engine, before diverting to the nearest suitable airport.
The aircraft landed safely in Benin without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally with no injuries reported.
Initial visual observations at the diversion airport suggest significant damage to the affected engine, though the precise cause of the anomaly has yet to be determined.
In line with its statutory mandate and international obligations under ICAO Annex 13 and applicable Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the NSIB has launched a full investigation into the occurrence.
A preliminary assessment team is en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, gather physical evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and retrieve flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder information for detailed analysis.
The Bureau is working in close coordination with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other relevant stakeholders to establish the sequence of events and identify any contributing operational or technical factors.
NSIB stated that a Preliminary Report will be issued within 30 days in accordance with ICAO provisions, while a Final Report will follow at the conclusion of the investigation.
Reaffirming its commitment to aviation safety, the Bureau emphasized that the safety of passengers, crew, and the public remains paramount, and encouraged anyone with useful information related to the incident to contact the agency through its official communication channels.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

Arik Air flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt safely diverted to Benin after an in-flight engine anomaly. No injuries were recorded, while the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced a full investigation and will release a preliminary report within 30 days.