The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released the preliminary report on its ongoing investigation into a serious incident involving a Boeing 737-700 aircraft operated by Arik Air.
The aircraft, with nationality and registration marks 5N-MJF, experienced the incident on 11 February 2026 during a scheduled passenger flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt.
According to the Bureau, the flight crew reported an abnormal engine event while airborne, prompting the activation of emergency procedures and a diversion to the nearest airport in Benin City.
The aircraft subsequently landed safely and all passengers and crew members onboard disembarked without any injuries.
In a statement issued by the NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Funke Arowojobe, the preliminary report outlines factual information gathered so far in the course of the investigation.
She explained that the information contained in the report includes accounts from the flight crew, air traffic control communications, data retrieved from the aircraft’s flight recorders, as well as findings from the initial examination of the aircraft.
Arowojobe noted that the investigation remains ongoing, with further technical examinations currently underway.
“The preliminary report presents the factual information gathered so far. The investigation is continuing, and additional technical analysis is being carried out,” she said.
She added that the report has been made available to members of the public and the media for download on the Bureau’s official website.
The NSIB, however, emphasised that the information contained in the preliminary report remains subject to further review and analysis.
According to the Bureau, the final report will provide its conclusions on the incident and include safety recommendations aimed at preventing a recurrence.
The NSIB is Nigeria’s multimodal transport safety agency responsible for conducting objective and comprehensive investigations into transport accidents and incidents across the country, with the aim of identifying probable causes and improving safety standards in the sector.
