The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released a preliminary report on the serious aviation incident involving a Boeing 737-700 aircraft operated by Arik Air, which experienced an abnormal engine event while operating a scheduled passenger flight within Nigeria.
The aircraft, with nationality and registration marks 5N-MJF, was operating a routine commercial service on 11 February 2026 from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt when the incident occurred.
According to the Bureau, the flight crew reported an abnormal engine event while the aircraft was en route to its destination. The situation prompted the pilots to immediately implement established emergency procedures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
As part of these safety measures, the crew elected to divert the flight to the nearest suitable airport, which was located in Benin City.
The aircraft subsequently landed safely at the alternate airport, and all passengers and crew members on board were able to disembark without any injuries.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the NSIB explained that the preliminary report provides the factual information obtained so far during the early stages of the investigation.
This includes accounts provided by the flight crew, recordings of communications between the aircraft and air traffic control, and data retrieved from the aircraft’s flight recorders. Investigators have also conducted an initial physical examination of the aircraft as part of the fact-finding process.
The Bureau noted that the investigation is still ongoing and that further technical analysis and detailed examinations will continue as investigators work to determine the sequence of events that led to the engine anomaly.
The NSIB disclosed that the preliminary report has been made available to the public and the media through its official website. Aviation stakeholders, researchers, and interested members of the public can review the document as part of the Bureau’s commitment to transparency in accident investigation.
However, the agency emphasised that the information contained in the preliminary report represents only the facts established at this stage and remains subject to further review as additional evidence is analysed.
The Bureau stated that once the investigation is completed, a final report will be issued outlining the probable causes of the incident along with safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.
The statement announcing the release of the report was signed by Mrs Funke Arowojobe, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.
The NSIB serves as Nigeria’s multimodal accident investigation authority, responsible for conducting independent and comprehensive investigations into transport accidents and incidents across aviation, rail, maritime, and other transport sectors.
Its primary objective is to identify the probable causes of accidents and recommend safety improvements that will strengthen the overall safety of Nigeria’s transport system and prevent future incidents.
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