An Arik Air Boeing 737 operating a Lagos to Port Harcourt service made an emergency diversion to Benin on Wednesday following an engine irregularity mid-flight.
The aircraft, registered 5N-MJF, landed safely at Benin Airport without injuries, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau confirmed.
In a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs, Bimbo Oladeji, the bureau said the crew detected abnormal engine readings during cruise.
According to the NSIB, the pilots followed established safety procedures after identifying the anomaly.
The affected engine was shut down as a precaution, and the aircraft was redirected to the nearest suitable airport.
Authorities said the jet touched down safely in Benin, where passengers and crew disembarked normally.
No casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.
Initial inspections at the airport indicated visible damage to the affected engine, based on a preliminary visual assessment.
The NSIB said it has launched a full investigation in line with its statutory responsibilities and global aviation standards.
A team of investigators is heading to Benin to secure the aircraft and document relevant evidence.
Officials would also interview crew members and witnesses as part of efforts to determine what occurred.
Flight data and cockpit voice recorders would be retrieved and analysed to establish the sequence of events.
The bureau said it is working in collaboration with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Arik Air, and other stakeholders.
A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report will be released after investigations conclude.
The NSIB reiterated that passenger safety remained its highest priority.
It also called on members of the public with useful information to contact the bureau through official channels.
Further updates would be provided as more details emerge from the ongoing inquiry.
