BY MERCY ODEH (CONTENT EDITOR)
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air Embraer E170 aircraft at Benin Airport.
The aircraft, operating as Flight 4264 with registration 5N-ENR, was flying from Lagos to Benin when it overran the end of Runway 05 during landing at approximately 3:10 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
According to the NSIB, there were 63 passengers and five crew members on board the aircraft. All occupants were safely accounted for, and no injuries were reported.
The Bureau said its Go Team was mobilised immediately after receiving notification of the occurrence and arrived at the scene within minutes to begin the investigation.
The investigators are gathering and preserving evidence, interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel, examining the aircraft, assessing runway conditions, and reviewing operational and technical information to determine the circumstances and contributing factors behind the incident.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and relevant airport authorities have been notified, while the aircraft has been secured.
Commenting on the development, the Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed relief that no lives were lost or injuries sustained.
“We are relieved that all passengers and crew members are safe and that no injuries were reported. While this is reassuring, every runway excursion is a serious occurrence that deserves a thorough and independent investigation.
“Our Go Team was on the ground within minutes of notification, and that speed of response reflects the readiness and professionalism of our investigators.
We urge the public to refrain from speculation as our investigators carry out their work in accordance with international standards,” Badeh said.
The NSIB stated that a preliminary report will be released within 30 days, in line with regulatory requirements, while the final investigation report, including any safety recommendations, will be published after the investigation is concluded.
The Bureau also urged all aviation stakeholders to continue prioritising safety and to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
