ASSESSMENT OF SOIL SAMPLES FOR RADIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION AT EPICENTERS OF IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE DETONATIONS IN MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA

This research investigates the lingering environmental impact of improvised explosive devicedetonations by Boko Haram terrorists on the radiological integrity of soils within selected locations in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Employing a comprehensive methodology, soil samples were meticulously collected from areas with a history of IED incidents and subjected to high-resolution gamma spectrometry to detect the presence and concentration of artificial and naturally occurring radionuclides, which are indicative of explosive materials or post-blast contamination. The concentrations of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th in soil from selected areas within Maiduguri Metro City, where Boko Haram Terrorists detonated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were measured, as part of a study to investigate the impact of BHT activities on the environment. Soil samples collected from spots where IEDs were detonated were analysed using NaI (Tl) based gamma spectroscopy. The activity concentration of the radionuclides ranged from 672 to 1071 BqKg-1 , 50 to 76 BqKg-1 and 46 to 162 BqKg-1 for 40K, 232Th.and 226 Ra, respectively. The calculated health hazard indices were below the recommended limit for the public. However, the external and internal hazard indices at Ngomari-Kaleri, are 1.023 and 1.229 mSvyear-1 respectively, higher than the recommended values. The calculated annual effective dose rate ranged from 0.207 mSvyear-1 to 0.443 mSvyear-1 , below the recommended dose limit for members of the public by UNSCEAR. External and internal hazard indices at Ngomari-Kaleri are 1.023 and 1.229 mSvyear-1 , respectively, slightly higher than the recommended value. Also, the internal hazard index at Maimalari was 1.048 mSvyear-1, and the excess