An Arik Air Boeing 737 aircraft made an emergency diversion to Benin Airport on Wednesday after experiencing an engine problem during a domestic flight. The plane, which was travelling from Lagos to Port Harcourt, was safely redirected after the crew noticed unusual engine readings while cruising.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the development in a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji. According to the statement, the pilots followed standard aviation safety procedures by shutting down the affected engine as a precaution and heading to the nearest suitable airport.

The aircraft landed safely in Benin without any injuries to passengers or crew members. Everyone on board disembarked normally. However, early inspection reports indicate that the engine involved may have suffered serious damage based on an initial visual check.

The NSIB has begun a formal investigation in line with international aviation standards. An assessment team is heading to Benin to secure the aircraft, gather evidence, interview crew members and witnesses, and retrieve flight data and cockpit voice recordings. The Bureau said it is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other stakeholders to determine what caused the incident.