The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft, registration 5N-MJF, operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos (LOS) to Port Harcourt earlier today, experienced an in-flight engine anomaly and diverted safely to Benin Airport (BNI).
According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji informed that during the cruise phase of flight, the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines.
The statement explained that in accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin.
The NSIB said that the aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally.
The statement said no injuries was reported.
NSIB said that preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicated significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual assessment.In line with its statutory mandate and in accordance with international standards under ICAO Annex 13 and applicable Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the NSIB has commenced an investigation into the occurrence.
A preliminary assessment team, NSIB said is en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.
The NSIB, the statement explained is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other relevant stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and any contributing factors.
NSIB said a Preliminary Report will be issued within 30 days in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 provisions while Final Report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.
“The safety of passengers, crew, and the public remains our highest priority. The NSIB encourages any member of the public with relevant information regarding this occurrence to contact the Bureau through its official channels,” NSIB said.
Meanwhile, Aik Air said that its Boeing 737-700 (5N MJF) aircraft operating flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt today, February 11, 2026, diverted to Benin Airport after the operating crew heard a loud bang on the left engine.
A statement signed by the PR & Communications Manager, Arik Air Limited, Adebanji Ola, explained that the aircraft was on its decent to Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa when the incident happened and as a precautionary measure, the crew had to make a safe diversion to Benin.
The PR & Communications Manager said that there were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked.
He said that arrangements have been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination.
“We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted. The safety and wellbeing of passengers is always our priority at Arik Air,” the airline said.
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