Quick Summary:
FCID operatives arrest community leader Peter Teme Arumala over alleged vandalism and theft of Shell’s South Forcados Oil Delivery pipeline, launch manhunt for 11 others.
Operatives of the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, have arrested the President-General of Oviri-Olomu Community, Peter Teme Arumala, over his alleged involvement in the vandalization and theft of the 16-inch South Forcados Oil Delivery pipeline belonging to the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
The arrest, which took place on Monday, February 9, 2026, at a court premises in Orerokpe, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, followed a long-standing investigation into the alleged sabotage of the oil infrastructure.
Arumala was reportedly at the court for a separate matter when he was apprehended and taken to Orerokpe Division, later transferred to Ovwian Division, and subsequently moved to Abuja for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Manhunt for 11 Other Suspects
According to FCID sources, eleven other suspects, believed to be members of the Oviri-Olomu community executive, are currently on the run following Arumala’s arrest.
The SPDC 16-inch South Forcados pipeline, which sits on 35.293 hectares of land traversing Oviri-Olomu, has been a target of repeated vandalism, resulting in significant losses and environmental damage.
Community Leader Confirms Arrest
A prominent community figure, Peter Edariese, confirmed Arumala’s arrest during a press conference in Udu Local Government Area.
Edariese, the immediate past Chairman of the Delta State Branch of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), said the arrest followed a petition he submitted to the Inspector-General of Police in 2019.
He commended the FCID for acting on the petition and urged investigators to ensure a thorough probe to bring all culprits to justice.
Investigation Ongoing
The FCID has reaffirmed its commitment to uncovering the full network behind the vandalism, emphasizing that no one involved will be spared.
Authorities are also working with SPDC security teams to assess the extent of the damage and prevent further sabotage along the South Forcados pipeline corridor.
