An Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL, with registration number 5N-MJF, safely diverted to Benin Airport on Wednesday after the flight crew detected abnormal indications on one of its engines during cruise, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has said.

The aircraft was operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt when the anomaly occurred. In a statement signed by the NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the Bureau said the crew followed standard safety procedures, carried out a precautionary shutdown of the affected engine, and diverted to the nearest suitable airport.

The plane landed without incident in Benin, and all passengers and crew disembarked safely. No injuries were reported.

Preliminary visual checks at the airport indicated significant damage to the affected engine. The NSIB said it has commenced a full investigation in line with its statutory mandate and international aviation standards under ICAO Annex 13.

A preliminary assessment team has been deployed to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.

The Bureau noted that it is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other stakeholders to establish the sequence of events and possible contributing factors.

A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. The NSIB assured the public that passenger safety remains its top priority and promised to provide further updates as investigations progress.