The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released the preliminary report on the serious aviation incident involving a Boeing 737-700 aircraft operated by Arik Air, which experienced an abnormal engine event during a scheduled domestic flight in February 2026.
According to the Bureau, the aircraft, bearing nationality and registration marks 5N-MJF, encountered the incident on February 11, 2026 while operating a scheduled passenger service from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt.
During the flight, the crew detected an abnormal engine occurrence that required the immediate activation of emergency procedures, reports Daily Independent.
In line with standard aviation safety protocols, the pilots decided to divert the aircraft to the nearest suitable airport, which was in Benin City.
The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew members on board disembarked without injuries, the Bureau confirmed.
In a statement issued in Abuja today, the NSIB said the preliminary report outlines factual information gathered so far in the course of the investigation.
The information includes statements from the flight crew, analysis of communications with air traffic control, data retrieved from the aircraft’s flight recorders, and findings from an initial examination of the aircraft.
The Bureau emphasised that the investigation remains ongoing, with additional technical examinations and analyses currently being conducted by investigators.
The NSIB stated that the preliminary report has been made publicly available on its official website for the benefit of stakeholders, aviation professionals, the media, and members of the public.
However, the agency cautioned that the information contained in the preliminary report is subject to further review and may change as the investigation progresses.
“The preliminary report provides the factual details available at this stage of the investigation,” the Bureau noted, adding that the final report will present the agency’s conclusions as well as any safety recommendations arising from the investigation.
The NSIB is Nigeria’s multimodal transport accident investigation agency. Its mandate is to promote transport safety by conducting objective, comprehensive, and independent investigations into accidents and incidents across aviation and other transport sectors.
Through these investigations, the Bureau seeks to determine the probable causes of incidents and make safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences and improving the overall safety of Nigeria’s transport systems.
The statement announcing the release of the report was signed by Mrs Funke Arowojobe, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the Bureau.
