Northeastern Nigeria Research Articles

Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contamination: Its Effects and Treatment Approaches – A Mini Review

Petroleum hydrocarbons are among the major driving forces of advancement in the last Century. Some of the hydrocarbons are however of health and environmental significance, due to their recalcitrance and persistence leading to adverse effects on health and ecosystem stability. Environmental pollution with petroleum and petrochemical products has been recognized as a significant and serious problem. Most components of oil are toxic to humans and wildlife in general, as it is easily incorporated into the food chain. This fact has increased scientific interest in examining the distribution, fate and behaviour of oil and its derivatives in the environment. The potential danger which petroleum hydrocarbons pose to humans and the environment makes testing and treatment unavoidable. As a result, a number of investigations over several years have led to the discovery of treatment technologies including physical, chemical, thermal and biological processes. Attempts to present a concise review on the status of hydrocarbon contamination, its effects on microorganisms, plants, animals and the ecosystem have been made. Different treatment technologies with their advantages and setbacks are also presented. This would enlighten individuals and stakeholders on the dangers pose by the petroleum products especially that oil prospecting in the Northeastern Nigeria is been intensified

Histopathological and Oxidative Stress Response in African Catfish Clarias gariepinus in Heavy Metal Contaminated Water from the Hadejia-Nguru Wetland North Eastern Nigeria.

The Hadejia-Nguru wetland is a source of drinking, farming, and natural fertilization of fields, fishing and transportation. Discharges from agricultural activities, sewage and chemical application find their way into this water body. The present study is aimed at evaluating levels of some heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr and Al) in tissues of Clarias gariepinus (gills, liver and muscles) collected at 5 sampling sites labelled as A-E. Histopathological examination and the presence of antioxidant enzymes revealed the extent of damage in tissue and stress in the fish. Results of the heavy metal reveals concentrations in the sequence Pb>Cr>Hg>Al>Cd revealing a concentration higher than the permissible maximum residue limit as recommended by FAO and WHO. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione were seen in elevated levels in the gills, liver and muscles. The highest level of SOD was found in the liver with a mean concentration of 32.43u/ml followed by a concentration level 12.35u/ml in the gills, CAT levels was highest in the liver with a concentration level of 67.80u/ml, MDA was highest in the gills with a concentration of 9.06n/mol and there was no significant difference (P<0.05) between concentration of MDA in the liver with other organs. GSH levels was highest in the gills with a concentration of 1016.64µg/ml and there was a significant difference (P<0.005) between the concentration of GSH in the gills in comparison to other organs. Histopathology revealed different deleterious effects in the gill filaments, hepatocytes and bowman’s space in the liver and muscle cells respectivly. The presence of metal toxicity, antioxidant enzymes and tissue disorders in fish are indication of pollution and can serve as bio-monitoring model of the safety of fresh water bodies.

Mirroring the Past in the Present: A Comparative Analysis Between Khawārij and Boko-Haram

The deadliest religious sect ever witnessed by Nigerians is the Jamacatu Ahlu Sunnah lid Dacwah Wal Jihād popularly known as Boko Haram. The group was founded by Muhammad Yusuf in 2002 and was initially known to be a Jihadist organisation based in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in the North eastern Nigeria. With the killing of the founder on 30th July 2009 in a Boko Haram uprising and the subsequent takeover of leadership by Abubakar Shekau, the group turned to an insurgent that has indiscriminately killed tens of thousands of Nigerians and has displaced millions of citizens from their homes. The militant group attracted the attention of the entire world between 2014 and 2016 when it abducted some school girls in Chibok village of Borno State and claimed control over some other villages in the state. The massive killings of both the militaries and civilians up till the end of 2017 by the fundamentalists under the pretext of fighting for the cause of Allah is likened to the militant attack launched by the Khawārij against other Muslims after the life of the Prophet (SAW). This study made a comparison between the two groups using a combination of descriptive and comparative research methods with a view to identifying the ideological relationship between both groups. Findings of the work revealed that the founder of the Boko Haram group shared some ideologies of the Khawārij and therefore, to overcome the insurgence of this group, it is necessary to review the way and manner the Khawārij were silenced in Islamic history.

The epidemiological trend of monkeypox and monkeypox-varicella zoster viruses co-infection in North-Eastern Nigeria.

Monkeypox (MPX) is endemic in Nigeria, but it was first reported in Adamawa state, North-Eastern Nigeria, in January 2022. There are currently 172 cases of MPX in Nigeria, with four reported deaths, and Adamawa has the second-highest case count. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the epidemiological profile of this viral disease. This is a cross-sectional study. The skin and blood samples were screened for the presence for Monkeypox virus (MPXV) and Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) DNA by real-time PCR; the clinical diagnosis was based on symptoms of visual signs of skin lesions and other clinical symptoms from January to July 2022. A total of 33 suspected cases aged 1-57 years [26 (79%) males vs. 7 (21%) females] were screened for MPX and VZV. Twenty-four (72.7%) were positive (6.1% were MPX only, 39% were VZV only, and 27% were both MPX and VZV). Most cases of MPX (82%), VZV (69%) and MPX-VZV co-infection (78%) occurred in males. More than half (54%) of those infected were children and adolescents between 0 and 19 years. All patients experienced body rashes and itching, and other clinical symptoms included fever, headache, mouth sores, muscle aches and lymphadenopathy. Over 64 and 86% of patients had contact with livestock and rodents, respectively. MPXV, VZV and MPXV-VZV co-infections occurred predominantly among males and children in Adamawa state, Nigeria. Given the patient contact with rodents and livestock, further research on the animal reservoir is needed to highlight the transmission of MPXV in Adamawa.

The gravity field and gravity data reduction across the continental area of Nigeria

This research presents the variation of the gravity field and associated gravity field components over the continental area of Nigeria to provide data for geoscience research, geodetic and engineering works, aerodynamic studies and deep crustal inferences. Accurate positions and elevations were observed at 58 of the 59 base stations of the Primary Gravity Network of Nigeria (PGNN), whose absolute gravity values had been accurately determined. The absolute gravity values were plotted against their respective positions to reveal the distribution pattern and strength of the gravity field within the study area. Theoretical gravity values at each base station were generated using the Somigliana's equation. The free-air gravity and free-air anomaly gravity values were generated with respect to the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84) ellipsoid using GPS-derived elevation data. Then, the perturbing potential, free-air gravity with respect to the geoid, and the indirect effects were evaluated. The average of the indirect effects was used to adjust the WGS84 gravity formula to produce a gravity formula that better approximates the geoid across the continental area of Nigeria, compatible with the heights measured relative to the geoid, which can serve as a reference for establishing a vertical height control. The Bouguer gravity and Bouguer gravity anomalies across Nigeria revealed a “trans-southern gravity high strip” interpreted to be associated with mantle upwelling. Two new major mega-lineaments related to mantle upwelling were mapped. A batholith province trending NW–SE was delineated, occurring from north central Nigeria to the north western region and containing closures of “Bouguer gravity lows” interpreted as batholiths. A separate closure of “Bouguer gravity low” was detected at Azare, north eastern Nigeria, which may be due to the presence of intrusive granitic body. It is recommended that the mantle structure beneath “the trans-southern gravity high strip”, “delineated batholith province” and “isolated gravity closures” around the northeast of Nigeria should be studied from seismic shear wave splitting analysis for better understanding of the deep lithospheric structures and moho relief.

The traumatic consequences of Boko Haram slavery among the ethnic minorities of southern Borno, Borno State, Nigeria.

The investigation on the experiences of Kibaku ethnic minorities of southern Borno in the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the Boko Haram (BH) insurgency is inevitable, considering the dire humanitarian situation that has since prevailed. The mass massacre indicates the violation of human rights. To explore, describe and analyse the BH insurgency in north-eastern Nigeria and its traumatic effects which may be experienced at several interrelated levels. The research was conducted within the Kibaku ethnic communities of Chibok local government areas of Southern Senatorial District in Borno State of Nigeria. A predominantly exploratory and descriptive qualitative research design approach was adopted with a total of 80 participants. The health consequences of BH-inspired victimisation include sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS and chronic infections, unwanted pregnancy, miscarriage and other reproductive health problems. The psycho-emostional effects are both incalculable and unquantifiable, which is compounded by grief for the loss of victims through either abduction or death. The unjustifiable mass violence against the minorities may, from a historical viewpoint, be an orchestrated suffering of humans at the hands of other 'humans' in north-eastern Nigeria.Contribution: This article will add to the body of knowledge considering the magnitude (scale) and implications (scope) of the genocidal violence meted by a motley of sectarian malcontents propagating some illogical, unscientific, and historically ideologies bothering on a combination of racial bigotry, ethnicity and religious intolerance in Nigeria.

Ectoparasites of dogs (Canis familiaris) from northeastern Nigeria: an epidemiological study.

Ectoparasites of dogs represent an important group of parasites. They often suck blood, cause pruritis, and could serve as vectors of many pathogens of veterinary and public health importance. In northeastern Nigeria, there is a lack of data regarding ectoparasites of dogs. Therefore, this study was undertaken to explore the external parasites of dogs and the associated epidemiological risk factors. A total of 1041 dogs (mean age = 8.5 ± 2.1months) from residential house visit (54.9%) and those attending veterinary clinic (45.1%) were sampled in northeastern Nigeria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis assessed epidemiological risk factors associated with canine ectoparasitic infections. Of the 1041 dogs screened, 92.5% (963/1047) harbored one or more ectoparasites. Rhipicephalus sanguineus (52.4%), Linognathus setosus (7.8%), Ctenocephalides canis (2.3%), and Otodectes cynotis canis (1.4%) were the significantly encountered tick, lice, fleas, and mite species, respectively. Being female dog (OR = 1.8; p = 0.01), cross (OR = 2.2; p = 0.029), and exotic breeds (OR = 2.4; p = 0.02), < 7months (OR = 3.1; p = 0.04) and 7-12months (OR = 2.1; p = 0.01) aged dogs as well as rainy season (OR = 1.9; p = 0.02) were strong predictors for tick infestation. Similarly, cross (OR = 7.2; p = 0.001) and local breeds (OR = 2.8; p = 0.0001), dogs aged > 12months (OR = 2.5; p = 0.03), and dogs used for hunting (OR = 3.2; p = 0.01) and as security guards (OR = 3.8; p = 0.01) were strongly associated with lice infestation. Results from this study revealed a high prevalence of external parasites parasitizing majority of the sampled dogs. Some of these parasites may serve as vectors of zoonotic pathogens posing public health risks.

How valid are women’s reports of the antenatal health services they receive from Community Health Workers in Gombe State north-eastern Nigeria?

BackgroundCommunity health workers (CHWs) in low- and middle-income countries are key to increasing coverage of maternal and newborn interventions through home visits to counsel families about healthy behaviours. Household surveys enable tracking the progress of CHW programmes but recent evidence questions the accuracy of maternal reports. We measured the validity of women’s responses about the content of care they received during CHW home visits and examined whether the accuracy of women’s responses was affected by CHW counselling skills.MethodsWe conducted a criterion validity study in 2019, in Gombe State-Nigeria, and collected data from 362 pregnant women. During accompanied CHW home visits the content of CHW care and the presence or absence of 18 positive counselling skills were observed and documented by a researcher. In a follow-up interview three months later, the same women were asked about the care received during the CHW home visit. Women’s reports were compared with observation data and the sensitivity, specificity, and area under receiver curve (AUC) calculated. We performed a covariate validity analysis that adjusted for a counselling skill score to assess the variation in accuracy of women’s reports with CHW counselling skills.ResultsTen indicators were included in the validity analysis. Women consistently overestimated the content of care CHWs provided and no indicator met the condition for individual-level accuracy set at AUC ≥ 0.6. The CHW counselling skill score ranged from 9–18 points from a possible 18, with a mean of 14.3; checking on client history or concerns were the most frequently missed item. There was evidence that unmarried women and the relatively most poor women received less skilled counselling than other women (mean counselling scores of 13.2 and 13.7 respectively). There was no consistent evidence of an association between higher counselling skill scores and better accuracy of women's reports.ConclusionsThe validity of women's responses about CHW care content was poor and consistently overestimated coverage. We discuss several challenges in applying criterion validity study methods to examine measures of community-based care and make only cautious interpretation of the findings that may be relevant to other researchers interested in developing similar studies.

Contraceptive use, menstrual resumption, and experience of pregnancy and birth among girls and young women in an internally displaced persons camp in Northeastern Nigeria.

In Northeastern Nigeria 600,000 internally displaced girls and women need sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services. We examined the relationships between contraceptive use, menstrual resumption, and pregnancy and birth experiences among girls (ages 15-19) and young women (ages 20-24) in an IDP camp. Data are from a cross-sectional survey collected using three-stage cluster sampling; the analytic sample is 480. Data were analyzed in Stata 14 using logistic regression models. Sixty-three percent of respondents had ever had sex and over half were currently sexually active. Current contraceptive use was 8% and 47% had ever been pregnant. Older respondents and those who had ever had sex were more likely to have heard of a contraceptive method and current use was higher for women with 5 or more births. These findings indicate a need for better contraceptive education for girls before sexual activity and promotion of contraception that accounts for fertility preferences in this setting.

Psychosocial Predictors of Perceived Stress among Depressed Out-Patients in North-Eastern Nigeria

Psychosocial Predictors of Perceived Stress among Depressed Out-Patients in North-Eastern Nigeria

Unsure Last Normal Menstrual Period among Pregnant Women in Low Resource Setting: The Experience from Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, North-Eastern Nigeria

Background: The proper management of any pregnancy depends on the accurate determination of the gestational age. In resource constrained environment where imaging techniques may not be readily available, accessible and affordable, the knowledge of menstrual period is key. Unfortunately, some of the pregnant women at antenatal clinics do not know their last normal menstrual period (LNMP). Aim/Objectives: This research was designed to ascertain the proportion of women who do not know their LNMP and associated factors. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study involving antenatal attendees at the booking clinic of the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe. Data such as socio-demographics, knowledge of dates/associated factors and willingness to remember the menstrual period subsequently was collected through a structured questionnaire from 1st March to 31st August 2022 and analysis done with IBM® SPSS® statistical Inc., Armonk, New York, USA software version 25 for analysis. Qui-square used as a test of statistics and the results presented in charts, graphs and tables. Results: Out of the 350 respondents 181(51.7%) knew their LNMP, while 169(48.3%) did not know. However, as much as 70.6% of the respondents knew that LNMP is used to date pregnancy. Reasons for not knowing dates included; not just keeping records of dates (25.4%), ignorance of Gregorian calendar (13.0%), on contraceptives when pregnancy was identified (10.7%), no reason (8.3%), was breastfeeding (6.5%), among several others. Surprisingly, 32% did not know the problems that may arise due to ignorance of LNMP. Majority (90.0%) of the respondents are willing to remember their LNMP in the next pregnancy. Women ≤ 19years and ≥ 40 years (p=0.004), lower level of education (p=0.004), Grand-multiparity (p=0.035), more than 4 living children (p=0.02) and rural dwellers (p=0.001) were more likely not to know their LNMP. Conclusion: The study showed 48.3% of the women were ignorant of their LNMP. The associated factors were extreme of ages, low level of education, grand multi-parity, having more than 4 living children and rural place of residence. Going forward, majority of the women accepted to remember their LNMP.

Malaria Transmission and Asymptomatic Malaria during Rainy Season among Nomads, North-eastern Nigeria

Aim: To determine the point prevalence of malaria infection and asymptomatic malaria during rainy season among some nomads of North Eastern Nigeria.&#x0D; Study Design: A cross sectional observational study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted across 11 randomly selected nomads’ camps around the Rivers Gongola and Benue basins spread over 3 Local Government Areas of Southern Adamawa State of North Eastern Nigeria. Data was collected during rainy season between July and September, 2016.&#x0D; Methodology: Fifty-five randomly selected households (5 from each camp) were covered in the survey. One hundred and ninety two (192) consenting participants aged between 1 and 79 years (inclusive) were involved in the survey. Structured questionnaires were administered (care givers consented and responded on behalf of children) and blood samples collected. Blood samples were examined for malaria parasite using a microscopes and results of both survey and microscopy analysed.&#x0D; Results: Overall malaria parasite prevalence was 87.5% and mean parasite density was 36,168 parasites per μl of blood. Thirty five (18.2%) of participant were of low parasite density, 35.5% were of moderate parasite density while 32.8% were of high parasite density. More than half (53%) of the malaria positive participants did not experience febrile symptoms within one month prior to the survey and were therefore asymptomatic. Tendency of manifestation of symptoms significantly increased with parasite density and decreased with age. The use of preventive measures against mosquito bite was 7.7% and only 16.1% of participants used antimalarial medicines or sought medical attention during their most recent fever episode.&#x0D; Conclusion: The high prevalence of asymptomatic carriers with high parasite densities and abysmally low usage of preventive and curative measures among the study population represents an ideal condition for effective malaria transmission which is unlikely to abate unless control measures are intensified.

Facies association and sequence stratigraphic analysis of the lower Cretaceous Bima Formation in Yola arm of the Upper Benue Trough, Northeastern Nigeria

The Lower Cretaceous Bima Formation is the oldest sedimentary rock in the Upper Benue Trough. This research is aimed at understanding the facies, facies association, and sequence stratigraphic framework of the continental Bima Formation. Detail field mapping, lithostratigraphic studies, petrography, and paleocurrent analysis revealed that the formation is composed of three facies associations; gravel facies association FAI (gravelly dominated), sandstone facies association FAII (sand-sandstones dominated), and fine-grained facies association FAIII and four facies successions; proximal alluvial fan facies succession, braided river facies succession, fluvio-lacustrine facies succession, and flood plain facies association. The Bima Formation is punctuated by three major bounding surfaces, these provide the means of subdividing the Bima Formation into four depositional sequences namely; SQ1, SQ2, SQ3, and SQ4. Four system tracts were also identified within the Bima Formation; aggradational and high accommodation system tracts represent positive accommodation/sediments supply, and low accommodation system tract-A and B suggest negative accommodation/sediment supply. The overall sedimentation processes in the Bima Formation are controlled by climate, tectonic subsidence, and uplift. The paleocurrent data from the northern part of the study area suggest a unidirectional flow in NNW while the southern part of the study area shows SSW direction.

Border Insecurity and the Challenges of Transnational Terrorism in North East Nigeria

Background: Using secondary sources of data, and adopting transnationalism theory, it is discovered that Nigeria’s territory and population are vulnerable. Consequently, the border towns and its people become prey to transnational terrorists’ organizations; drug barons; smugglers; among others. Some frontline settlers are conscripted into or give support to the criminal elements; engage in illegal smuggling, thereby making the state lose vital revenue from some traders and corrupt state officials at the border posts. Aim: The study looked at some of the literature on border security and insecurity, terrorism on both a domestic and international scale, the effects of porous border security on people's lives, property, and socioeconomic activities, and the implications for those living in the border region of northeastern Nigeria. Method: Articles from magazines, newspapers, textbooks, and other resources were compiled. The many authors' viewpoints and contents are studied or addressed in the sections that follow. Findings: Border insecurity is the factor responsible for the inability of the states to halt the terrorists’ activities across Nigerian international boundary in the north-east axis. Government is therefore urged to establish its authority in those frontline states; equip the nation’s security operatives; boost cross-border security surveillances; provide social infrastructures for those at the border to make them patriotic and loyal to the state as the panacea for halting trans-border criminality and terrorism in the North-East in particular and Nigeria at large.

Source-rock potential and paleoenvironment of the Coniacian Numanha Formation, northeastern Nigeria: An integrated palynofacies and geochemical approach

A study of source-rock characterization and paleoenvironmental interpretation has been carried out on a relatively thick Coniacian sedimentary succession from the Numanha Formation in the Guyuk area of the Yola arm in the Northern Benue Trough, northeastern Nigeria. The aim is to provide organic facies data for the assessment of its hydrocarbon generating potential owing to the high prospects of its lateral equivalent Fika Shale in the Gongola arm of the Northern Benue Trough. The investigation of 98 samples from three outcrop sections [09° 50′ N, 11° 51′ E; 09° 54′ N, 11° 50′ E; 09° 54′ N, 11° 49′ E] which includes palynofacies analysis, spore/pollen coloration, and geochemical analyses enabled an evaluation of organic matter richness and quality. Measured TOC ranges between 0.01 and 7.4% which reflects poor to good organic richness, while visual kerogen characterization shows thermally mature Type II-III kerogen indicative of oil and gas prone materials. Recovered palynomorphs comprised both marine (dinoflagellate cysts, microforaminiferal test linings) and terrestrial (spores, pollen, freshwater alga Pediastrum) taxa. These palynomorphs vary in proportion at different horizons of the sections indicating shoreline fluctuations. Except for the Kurnyi section, amorphous organic matter occurs in minor percentages, indicating low preservation potential during deposition. All data indicate that the Numanha Formation was deposited in a highly proximal to mud-dominated oxic shelf environment.

Agricultural Risk Management and Production Efficiency among Peasant Farmers in Taraba State, North Eastern Nigeria

This study was on agricultural risk management and production efficiency among peasant farmers in Wukari Local Government of Taraba State with specific objectives to; determine the socio-economic characteristics of the peasant farmers in the area; identify the risk faced by farmers in the area; analyse the risk management strategies and determine their management efficiency in combating the production risk. The Data for the study were collected using structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data collected. The study showed that 88.8% faced risk from time to time while 5.6% of the respondents often face risk and another 5.6% never experienced risk at all. Diversification (56%) has been the major approach of risk management by respondents in the study area while integration (32%) and forward contracting (11.2%) methods were less employed. The coefficients of age (0.1044) was significant 1%, sex (0.7008) was significant at 5%, Educational level (0.3478) was significant at 1%, access to extension (2.6627) was significant at 1% and agribusiness risk (3.215) was significant at 1%. They were all positive indicating that they have positive relationship with the productivity of farmers. The allocative cost efficiency of risk management among the farmers stands at maximum: 20.57, minimum: 16.28 and mean: 18.55 indicating that the efficient level of production is very low thus demanding adequate management to increase production efficiency. It was recommended that the Government and stakeholders should help the farmers in time of risk to boost their morale for adequate production.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with Giardia lamblia infection among cattle from Jere local government area of Borno state, Northeastern Nigeria

This study was designed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of Giardia lamblia infection among cattle in Jere local government area (LGA) of Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. A total of 279 faecal samples were randomly collected from 12 cattle herds of the six wards of Jere LGA. The samples were screened for Giardia lamblia antigens with Copro-antigen Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. Risk factors were analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test where appropriate, and multivariable logistic regression. The overall prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection among cattle was 5.7% (95% CI = 3.20, 8.60). Location-specific prevalence of 5.4% (95% CI = 1.1, 9.8), 4.3% (95% CI = 0.0, 10.6), 4.3% (95% CI = 0.0, 10.6), 8.7% (95% CI = 0.0, 21.7), 6.4% (95% CI = 0.0, 14.9) and 8.7% (95% CI = 0.0, 21.7) for Old Maiduguri, Khaddamari, Bale Galtimari, Mashamari, Maimusari and Dusuman wards were respectively detected among the cattle herds. Multivariable logistic regression model revealed that Giardia lamblia positivity among cattle could be strongly predicted by age (Young cattle ≤ 1 year; OR = 32.0; 95% CI = 8.40, 120.13; p &lt; 0.0001). The even spread of the infection among cattle throughout the wards could be described as endemic in Jere LGA suggesting high risk potential for infection of cattle handlers from calves. Therefore, further studies on genetic characterization to determine the incriminating assemblage as well as public enlightenment of cattle handlers on the public health significance of giardiasis in the study area was recommended.

Evaluation of Groundwater Potentials Using Dar Zarrouk Parameters in Mapeo and Environs, North-Eastern Nigeria

Groundwater is the safest and most reliable source of water in crystalline basement complex terrain especially those associated with semi-arid to arid regions. This research is aim at evaluating the groundwater potentials of Mapeo and its environs, The study area is located between latitudes 8◦ 37'and 8◦ 45' N and longitudes 12◦21'and 12◦32' E. Thirty-five Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) points were surveyed using the Schlumberger array. The analysis of the VES conducted revealed four layered formations; Sandy clay to slightly weathered, fractured, and basement rocks. The aquifer units in the study area varied from highly weathered and fractured basement rocks. Dar-Zarrouk parameters such as the longitudinal conductance and transverse resistance revealed values that ranged from 0.0842 to 1.5926Ω with an average value of 0.5767Ω and 1107.235 to 8910.410Ωm2 with an average value of 4167.902 Ωm2 respectively. For the aquifer properties, empirical formulae based on grain size analysis were used to determine hydraulic conductivity which ranges from 1.01X 10-9 to 9.82X 10-6m/day with an average value of 2.176x10-3m/day, the hydraulic conductivity determined from geophysical method range from 1.833 to 17.525m/day with an average value of 7.2182x10-3m/day while transmissivity values range from 47.657 to 779.724 m2/day with an average of 289.113 m2/day. Groundwater potential zones were determined based on transmissivity values and classified the area into low, moderate, and high potentials.

Evaluation of sedimentary thickness and Curie point depths in the eastern part of Bornu Basin, North-Eastern Nigeria

The Curie point depth is the depths at which subsurface temperature (approximately 580 oC) loses spontaneous magnetization within the rock units and magnetic minerals show features of paramagnetic susceptibility. In this research work sedimentary thickness and Curie point depths of the eastern parts of Bornu basin were investigated. The aeromagnetic data was subdivided into twenty-five (25) overlapping blocks, and each block was analyzed to obtain depth to basement (Zt) of the magnetic sources and depth to centroid (Zo). The depth values were then used to estimate CPD and Curie temperature (𝜃) within the study area. The result shows that the depth to basement (Zt) varies between 2.55 and 7.4 km, with an average value of 5.96 km, the depth to centroid (Zo) values varies between 8.4 and 14.15 km with an average value of 11.08 km, the CPD values varies between 15.11 and 19.0 km with an average value of 16.20 km.

Palynofacies and sea level changes in the Upper Cretaceous of the Yola Basin, Northern Benue Trough, Northeastern Nigeria

Upper Cretaceous sediments (Numanha and Lamja Formations) in the Yola basin of Northern Benue Trough have been investigated in order to characterize the particulate organic matter (POM) in the samples. The aim is to understand the rapid facies changes in both vertical and lateral direction of the formations and the relative abundance of the different organic components within the sections. The investigation involved 62 samples from four outcrop sections. The analysis involved series of laboratory procedure ranging from sample preparation, chemical treatment with HCl and HF, sieving, slide cover and completion then the counting of 300 particles per sample. The samples yielded sufficient organic residues for detailed palynofacies analysis. The organic constituents observed in the studied samples have been classified into phytoclast, palynomorp and amorphous organic matter groups. The phytoclast group predominates in almost all the sections followed by the palynomorp group with little amount of amorphous organic matter (AOM). The palynofacies parameters used for the study are the continental/ marine and opaque/translucent ratios which led to the construction of the sea-level variation pattern for the formations using Tilia 2.0.2 program.