The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft, with registration number 5N-MJF, experienced an in-flight engine anomaly while operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

According to the Bureau, the incident prompted the crew to divert the aircraft and make an emergency landing at Benin Airport.

In a statement, the NSIB said the aircraft landed safely without incident, and all passengers and crew members disembarked normally. No injuries were recorded.

The Bureau added that preliminary observations at the diversion airport revealed significant damage to the affected engine based on an initial visual assessment.

The Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, explained that the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines during the cruise phase of the flight.

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

The NSIB further stated that a preliminary report on the incident will be released within 30 days in line with the provisions of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13, while a final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.

The Bureau reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring aviation safety through thorough and transparent investigations into air incidents and accidents across the country.