Arik Air plane headed to Port Harcourt forced to change course due to unusual engine issue, says Nigerian safety agency

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has revealed that a malfunction in one of the engines was the primary cause of an Arik Air Boeing 737-700 aircraft's emergency diversion on 11 February 2026, during a routine flight.

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This finding was disclosed in the Bureau's preliminary report on the serious incident, which involved an aircraft bearing the nationality and registration marks 5N-MJF, operated by Arik Air Limited.

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A statement issued by Funke Arowojobe, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, detailed that the aircraft was traveling from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt when the crew reported an unusual engine occurrence.

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This abnormal event prompted the crew to initiate emergency procedures, resulting in a diversion to the nearest suitable airport, which was Benin.

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The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew members onboard disembarked without sustaining any injuries, according to the NSIB.

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The preliminary report compiled by the Bureau contains factual information gathered up to this point, including data from the flight crew, air traffic control communications, flight recorders, and an initial examination of the aircraft.

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The NSIB has stated that investigations into the incident are still ongoing, with further technical examinations being conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the event.

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The information presented in the preliminary report is subject to additional review and analysis, the Bureau noted.

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A final report will be issued by the NSIB, which will outline the Bureau's conclusions and safety recommendations.

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The preliminary report is currently available for public download on the NSIB's website.