The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft experienced an in-flight engine problem on Wednesday while operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt.

Naija News reports that the aircraft, with registration number 5N-MJF, was forced to divert and landed safely at Benin Airport without incident.

The disclosure was made in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the NSIB, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji.

According to the bureau, the flight crew observed abnormal indications from one of the aircraft’s engines during the cruise phase of the journey.

Following established safety protocols amid the tense atmosphere, the pilots carried out a precautionary shutdown of the affected engine and opted to divert to the nearest suitable airport.

The aircraft subsequently landed safely at Benin Airport, with all passengers and crew disembarking normally. No injuries were recorded.

The NSIB noted that preliminary observations indicated significant damage to the affected engine based on an initial visual assessment.

“Preliminary observations at Benin Airport suggest significant damage to the affected engine, based on an initial visual assessment. In line with its statutory mandate and international standards under ICAO Annex 13, the NSIB said it has commenced an investigation,” the statement read.

It added that an assessment team had been dispatched to the scene to secure the aircraft and gather relevant evidence.

“The assessment team 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 statement said.

The bureau further disclosed that it is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air and other key stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and identify possible contributing factors.

The outcome of the investigation is expected to guide safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.