An Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL on a scheduled flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt made an unscheduled landing at Benin Airport on Wednesday after the crew detected an engine irregularity mid-flight, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed.
In a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the bureau said the pilots noticed abnormal engine readings during the cruise phase and followed safety procedures by shutting down the affected engine and diverting to the nearest suitable airport.
The aircraft landed safely, with all passengers and crew disembarking without injuries.
Initial checks at Benin Airport indicated significant damage to the affected engine, based on a preliminary visual inspection, the NSIB said.
In line with international aviation standards under ICAO Annex 13, the bureau has launched an investigation. A team has been dispatched to secure the aircraft, gather evidence, interview crew and witnesses, and retrieve flight and cockpit voice recorder data.
The NSIB said it is working with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air and other stakeholders to establish the cause of the incident and contributing factors.
A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report will be released at the conclusion of the probe.
“The safety of passengers, crew, and the public remains our highest priority,” Oladeji said, urging anyone with relevant information to contact the bureau through official channels.
She added that further updates will be provided as investigations continue.
