The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released its preliminary report into a serious incident involving an Arik Air Boeing 737-700 aircraft, registration 5N-MJF, which diverted to Benin Airport in February after the crew reported an abnormal engine event during a scheduled passenger flight.
The occurrence took place on 11 February 2026 during flight ARA740, operating from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt. According to the report, the aircraft departed Lagos at 07:24 h with seven crew members and 80 passengers on board, carrying fuel endurance of two hours and 40 minutes.
Abnormal Engine Indication in Cruise
The NSIB said the flight crew reported an abnormal engine event while en route, prompting the captain to declare an emergency and request a diversion to the nearest suitable airport. The aircraft was vectored to Benin Airport, where it landed without further incident. There were no injuries to any of the 87 occupants on board.
The preliminary report presents the factual information gathered so far, drawing on flight crew accounts, air traffic control communications, flight recorder data and an initial examination of the aircraft. The Bureau stressed that the findings released at this stage do not include analysis or conclusions on the cause of the event, in line with standard practice under ICAO Annex 13.
Investigation Continues
NSIB investigators have since carried out further technical examination of the affected engine, working alongside the aircraft manufacturer and engine maker to establish the sequence of events that led to the abnormal indication. Arik Air said it was cooperating fully with the Bureau's investigation and had withdrawn the aircraft from service pending the outcome.
The Bureau said a final report, including its conclusions and any safety recommendations, would be published once the investigation is complete.