The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the Arik Air’s aircraft incident, which occurred on Wednesday en route to Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA), Omagwa, from the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.

The NSIB, in a statement by its Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, said that the aircraft, a Boeing 737-7GL with the registration number: 5N-MJF, experienced an “in-flight engine anomaly,” which prompted the pilot to divert the flight to Benin Airport.

According to the statement, during the cruise phase of flight, the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines and, in accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, which was Benin.

No fewer than 80 passengers were onboard at the time of the incident. Oladeji explained that preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicated significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual assessment.

The statement added: “In line with its statutory mandate and in accordance with international standards under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annexe 13 and applicable Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the NSIB has commenced an investigation into the incident.

“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.”

NSIB said it was working closely with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other relevant stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and any contributing factors.

The bureau also said that a preliminary report would be issued within 30 days in accordance with ICAO Annexe 13 provisions, while a final report would be published at the conclusion of the investigation.