Files show Shell knew its Nigerian pipeline was causing pollution

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Files obtained by the BBC show that Shell allegedly continued pumping oil through a pipeline in Nigeria despite knowing it was polluting the surrounding environment. The documents are from legal proceedings brought by local people who say leaks caused by theft damaged their health and livelihoods. They are seeking $1bn. One of the documents shows that Shell executives estimated there were 100 illegal refineries operating around the pipeline, polluting a large area. It also reported the clean up of 18 spills from 60 bunkering points. The legal claim is one of several attempts to hold firms accountable for oil spills in the Niger Delta. Studies have linked the pollution to the destruction of crops and fish stocks, as well as high cancer rates.