The aircraft, registered 5N MJF and operating flight W3 740, reportedly developed abnormal engine indications during the cruise phase.

Passengers also reported hearing a loud bang from the left engine.

A statement from the Public Relations & Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola, said that the loud bang heard on the left engine by the crew of the flight W3 740, led to the diversion of the aircraft to Benin airport.

According to the statement, the aircraft was on its decent to Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa when the incident happened and as a precautionary measure, the crew had to make a safe diversion to Benin.

He, however, said that there were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked.

The statement added: “Arrangements have been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination.

“We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted. The safety and wellbeing of passengers is always our priority at Arik Air.”

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced investigation into the incident.

The NSIB in a statement by its Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, said that the aircraft experienced an “in-flight engine anomaly,” which prompted the pilot to divert the flight to Benin Airport.

According to the statement, during the cruise phase of flight, the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines and in accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, which was Benin.

Oladeji explained that preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicated a significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual assessment.

The statement added: “In line with its statutory mandate and in accordance with international standards under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13 and applicable Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the NSIB has commenced an investigation into the occurrence.

“A preliminary assessment team is en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.”

NSIB said it was working closely with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air and other relevant stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and any contributing factors.

The bureau also said that a preliminary report would be issued within 30 days in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 provisions, while a final report would be published at the conclusion of the investigation.