Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>The Wamba region of North-central Nigeria lies at the convergence of the Precambrian Basement Complex, the Mesozoic Younger Granites and the Cretaceous Middle Benue Trough — a setting hosting documented gold, cassiterite, columbite-tantalite, and rare-metal pegmatite occurrences whose subsurface structural controls have remained unresolved due to thick lateritic cover, poor outcrop continuity, and the absence of an integrated geophysical framework. This study fills that gap through systematic processing of high-resolution aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric data for mineral prospectivity. These datasets were processed through Oasis Montaj 6.4, employing Total Magnetic Intensity analysis, Reduction to the Equator, regional-residual separation, derivative filters (TDR, THD, FVD, SVD), Analytical Signal, Euler Deconvolution, Radially Averaged Power Spectrum, and radiometric ratio mapping. Results reveal a structural-lithological dichotomy bifurcated by a major NE-SW crustal discontinuity, interpreted as a Pan-African shear zone reactivated during Cretaceous extension. The northern domain exhibits elevated magnetic amplitudes (449.9 nT), high potassium (2.87–4.00%), and elevated K/Th ratios, diagnostic of potassic hydrothermal alteration on felsic basement lithologies. Euler depths constrain sources to 50–120 m, with RAPS confirming shallow targets within drilling reach. Northwestern high-amplitude closures represent first-priority gold and rare-metal prospects. The southern domain contrasts sharply: magnetically subdued, potassium-depleted (0.20–0.77%), yet uranium-enriched, indicating structurally controlled fluid migration rather than primary lithological enrichment. This configuration suggests a fault-bounded basement depression where oxidising hydrothermal fluids concentrated uranium along permeable pathways, warranting uranium and phosphate exploration. Dominant NE-SW fabrics reflect Pan-African inheritance; subordinate NW-SE and E-W lineaments represent post-Pan-African and Cretaceous overprinting. This basement-scale characterisation provides a transferable framework for analogous West African Craton terrains where airborne datasets remain under-exploited.</p>