Shell pumped oil through Nigeria pipeline for years despite pollution evidence, documents show

BBC investigations reveal Shell continued operating the Nembe Creek Trunk Line in Nigeria for years, despite knowledge of pollution risks, internal warnings from 2008, and infrastructure failures. The pipeline, capable of 150,000 barrels per day and running about 60 miles near Bille in the Niger Delta, has been blamed for widespread environmental damage amid theft and illegal refining. Shell argues most pollution stems from theft and sabotage and notes investments to mitigate spills. Communities seek $1 billion in a legal case, comprising $250 million in compensation and $750 million for cleanup. UN figures estimate at least 13 million barrels spilled across 7,000 incidents since 1958.