![Hon. Festus Keyamo SAN arrives MMIA past 11:50 p.m. Feb 23 to lead oversight of Terminal 1 fire. Joined FAAN MD & team actively managing situation. Directed morning inspection Tuesday to guide restoration & confirm safety standards. Reaffirmed focus on passenger safety. Story: [link] #KeyamoMMIA #FireIncident #FAAN](https://fullcliphq.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mym-150x150.jpg "MMIA Fire: Keyamo Inspects Lagos Airport After Terminal 1 Blaze Disrupts Flights")
An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 aircraft operating flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt made a safe diversion to Benin Airport today following abnormal engine indications during cruise, resulting in a precautionary shutdown of the left engine. All 80 passengers and crew members disembarked without injury.
The aircraft, registered 5N-MJF, was en route from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos to Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC) when the flight crew detected issues with one of the engines. According to statements from both the airline and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the crew followed standard safety protocols by shutting down the affected engine and diverting to the nearest suitable alternate airport, Benin City (BNI).
Official Statement from NSIB
NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, confirmed the incident:
“NSIB confirms that an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft, registration 5N-MJF, operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt earlier today, experienced an in-flight engine anomaly and diverted safely to Benin Airport. During the cruise phase of flight, the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines. In accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin.”
The aircraft landed without further incident, and all passengers disembarked normally. No injuries were reported.
Visible Damage and Preliminary Observations
Preliminary visual assessments at Benin Airport revealed significant damage to the left engine. Observed damage includes:
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Missing intake cowl and torn fan cowls.
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Structural compromise consistent with a severe engine event.
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Exposed internal components and bent fan blades.
Aviation observers on social media, analyzing circulating photographs, noted that the severity of the cowling damage suggests either an uncontained engine failure or improperly latched cowls that peeled back during flight. Official investigations have not yet confirmed the root cause.
Arik Air Response
Arik Air issued a statement clarifying that the crew heard a “loud bang” from the left engine during the descent phase toward Port Harcourt. This prompted the immediate decision to divert as a precautionary measure. The airline emphasized that the crew’s adherence to emergency procedures ensured a safe landing.
Investigation and Industry Context
The NSIB has launched a full investigation in coordination with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and international partners including Boeing and engine manufacturer CFM International. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.
This incident occurs amid ongoing scrutiny of Arik Air’s operational stability. The airline has faced significant financial and maintenance challenges in recent years, including asset sales and temporary groundings in 2024. This event highlights persistent concerns regarding maintenance oversight within Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector.
