February 11, (THEWILL) — In line with its statutory mandate and in accordance with international standards under ICAO Annex 13 and applicable Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into an incident involving an Arik Air aircraft, a Boeing 737-700 (5N MJF) operating flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
The aircraft which departed from Lagos to Port Harcourt diverted to Benin Airport after the operating crew heard a loud bang on the left engine.
THEWILL gathered that the incident occurred when the aircraft was on its decent to Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
In an official statement issued Wednesday afternoon, signed by Arik Air PR & Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola, the airline stated that the aircraft was on its decent to Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa when the incident happened and as a precautionary measure, the crew had to make a safe diversion to Benin.
There were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked. Arrangements have been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination.
The airline, however, apologised to the affected Port Harcourt passengers, whose journey has been disrupted.
Meanwhile, NSIB has confirmed the incident.
A statement issued by the bureau, signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance,Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, informed that during the cruise phase of flight, the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines.
In accordance with established safety procedures, NSIB stated that the the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin. The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported.
Preliminary observations at the diversion Airport, the Bureau stated, indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual assessment.
“In line with its statutory mandate and in accordance with international standards under ICAO Annex 13 and applicable Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the NSIB has commenced an investigation into the occurrence. A preliminary 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 Bureau further assured that they are is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other relevant stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and any contributing factors.
“A Preliminary report will be issued within 30 days in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 provisions. A Final Report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation”, NSIB assured.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
