KEY POINTS

• An Arik Air Lagos–Port Harcourt flight diverted safely to Benin after pilots detected abnormal engine readings mid-air.
• The crew shut down the affected engine and landed without incident; no injuries were reported.
• The NSIB has launched a formal investigation, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days.

An Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft operating a scheduled domestic service from Lagos to Port Harcourt was forced to divert safely to Benin Airport on Wednesday after the flight crew detected abnormal engine indications while cruising.

The incident was confirmed in an official statement issued by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji.

According to the Bureau, cockpit instruments alerted the pilots to irregular readings from one of the aircraft’s engines during the cruise phase of the flight, prompting immediate safety procedures.

Following aviation safety protocols, the pilots performed a precautionary shutdown of the affected engine and redirected the aircraft to the nearest suitable airport.

Aviation guidelines require crews to prioritise passenger safety by isolating any malfunctioning system and landing at the closest viable airfield when anomalies are detected.

The aircraft landed safely at Benin Airport without incident. All passengers and crew members disembarked normally, and no injuries were reported.

Initial Inspection Reveals Engine Damage

Preliminary visual checks conducted after landing indicated that the affected engine sustained significant damage. While the exact cause has not yet been determined, investigators say the initial findings justify a full technical investigation.

The aircraft, registered as 5N-MJF, has since been secured pending further examination.

In line with its statutory responsibilities and global aviation investigative standards under ICAO Annex 13, the NSIB has commenced a formal inquiry. A preliminary assessment team has been dispatched to Benin to secure the aircraft and preserve evidence,interview flight crew and relevant personnel, andretrieve and analyse flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.

The Bureau said it is collaborating closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other aviation stakeholders to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify possible contributing factors.

The NSIB stated that a preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report will be released after the investigation concludes.

Mrs. Oladeji reiterated that passenger and public safety remain the Bureau’s highest priority and urged anyone with relevant information to contact investigators through official channels.

Authorities also assured the public that further updates will be provided as new findings emerge.