Shell Exposes World's Largest Illegal Oil Refinery In Nigeria

The Nigerian authorities say they are clamping down on the illegal trade in crude oil. The Nigerian government says it is losing up to $1bn a month as a result of the theft in the Niger Delta.

Whilst some of the oil is refined locally, much of the stolen crude is taken out on barges to ships waiting off the coast.

But with politicians and the military known to be benefitting from the trade, it seems unlikely that the practice will be be stopped.

 Ebiowei, 48, drags a hose used to help siphon crude oil in an illegal oil refinery site near river Nun in Nigeria's oil state of Bayelsa

A worker at an illegal oil refinery site near river Nun in Nigeria's oil state of Bayelsa

Ebiowei, 48, carries refined oil in buckets at an illegal oil refinery site near river Nun in Nigeria's oil state of Bayelsa

 A man working at an illegal oil refinery site pours oil under a locally made burner to keep the fire going, near river Nun in Nigeria's oil state of Bayelsa

A worker pours crude oil into a locally made burner using a funnel at an illegal oil refinery site near river Nun in Nigeria's oil state of Bayelsa

A crude oil refinery worker stands in front of a locally made burner in an illegal oil refinery site near river Nun in Nigeria's oil state of Bayelsa

Men work at an illegal oil refinery site near river Nun in Nigeria's oil state of Bayelsa