23 Aircraft Components Damaged in Arik Air Incident

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) released a preliminary report detailing that 23 components of an Arik Air Boeing 737-700 sustained damage following an abnormal engine event during a scheduled passenger flight on February 11, 2026. The incident occurred while the aircraft was operating between Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo International Airport.

The flight crew experienced a loud bang and grinding noise, prompting the pilot to initiate emergency procedures and divert to Benin City, where the aircraft landed safely without injuries to passengers or crew. The report indicated extensive damage, including a missing engine inlet cowl, broken fan blades, and various structural damages to the aircraft.

The flight crew was confirmed to be properly licensed and conducted operations with valid airworthiness certification at the time of the incident. Investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing, with tests showing that the crew tested negative for alcohol and drugs.