By Henry Oseremen Ihimekpen | February 11, 2026
An Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft, registration 5N-MJF, operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt, made a precautionary landing at Benin Airport on Wednesday after experiencing an in-flight engine anomaly. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident.
The flight crew detected abnormal engine indications during the cruise phase and shut down the affected engine, diverting to Benin Airport as a precaution. The plane landed safely, and all 80 passengers and crew disembarked normally without injuries.
Preliminary assessments show significant damage to the engine, but the cause is yet to be determined. The NSIB has begun a formal investigation, collaborating with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Arik Air. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.
Arik Air has arranged for alternative transportation to Port Harcourt.
“The safety of passengers, crew, and the public remains our highest priority,” said Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs. Arik Air has arranged alternative transportation for passengers to continue their journey to Port Harcourt.
