Authors : Jerry Danwazan; Olugbenga Ajayi Ehinola; Mutiu Adeleye; Nathaniel Goter Goki

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/cza4bp8z

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/mr3fpv2m

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr2299

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : In light of Nigeria’s growing energy needs and declining conventional reserves, unlocking unconventional hydrocarbon resources becomes imperative. Previous studies have reported that the Middle Benue Trough (MBT) has good potential for hydrocarbon generation and accumulation. However, the absence of proven conventional hydrocarbon discovery in the basin to date underscores a significant gap in its petroleum prospectivity. This study investigates tectonic controls on syn- and post-depositional deformation between the Keana Anticline and Gboko line aiming to clarify structural influences on unconventional reservoir quality and fluid pathways. Using integrated field mapping, aeromagnetic grid analysis (tilt derivative and source parameter imaging of Total Magnetic Intensity data), and shallow drilling records, researchers identified two deformation phases. An early ductile phase driven by NW-SE compression formed NE-SW anticlines and synclines. Later brittle deformation generated mineralized NW-SE and E-W fractures, including a newly mapped 142 km-long NW-SE Gboko fracture system beneath Lafia’s sediments. Aeromagnetic depth estimates revealed five sedimentary depo-centers, with basement depths ranging from 70 m to 4,900m, the deepest at Wuse-Akiri and southwestern Gboko. These structural complexities create natural fracture networks that enhance reservoir permeability, critical for hydraulic fracturing efficiency. Findings from this study, suggest that in order to optimize the recovery of the unconventional resource in the basin, aligning hydraulic fracture propagation with pre-existing fault and fracture orientations while adapting stimulation parameters to local stress regimes will be necessary. By delineating the trough’s tectonic evolution and fracture architecture, this research provides a foundational framework for targeted exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbons aligning with Nigeria’s goals to expand clean energy amid global transition efforts.

Keywords : Middle Benue Trough; Natural Fractures; Hydraulic Fracturing; Santonian Folding; Unconventional Hydrocarbons.

References :

1. Abdulsalam, N.N., Ogoh, E.K. and Ologe, O. (2022) Evaluation of Structural Framework and Depth Estimates Using High Resolution Airborne Magnetic Data over Some Parts of Middle Benue Trough, Nigeria. International Journal of Geosciences, 13, 557-575.
2. Akande, S. O., Egenhoff, S. O., Obaje, N. G., Ojo, O. J., Adekeye, O. A., and  Erdtmann, B. D. (1988). Hydrocarbon potential of Cretaceous sediments in the Lower and Middle Benue Trough, Nigeria. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 62, 33-51.
3. Ajakaiye, D.E., Hall, D.H., Ashiekaa, J.A., and Udensi, E.E. (1991). Magnetic anomalies in the Nigerian continental mass based on aeromagnetic surveys. Tectonophysics 192 (1-2), 211-230.
4. Ajayi, C.O., Ajakaiye, D.E., (1981). The Origin and Peculiarities of the Nigerian Benue Trough: Another look from Recent Gravity Data obtained from the Middle Benue. Tectonophysics 80, 285–303. Ajayi, C.O., Ajakaiye, D.E., 1986. Structures deduced from gravity data in the Middle Benue, Nigeria. J. Afr. Earth Sci. 5 (4), 359–369. https://doi.org/10.1016/0899- 5362(86)90051.
5. Anudu, G.K., Stephenson, R.A., Macdonald, D.I.M.,( 2014). Using high-resolution aeromagnetic data to recognise and map intra-sedimentary volcanic rocks and geological structures across the Cretaceous middle Benue Trough, Nigeria. J. Afr. Earth Sci. 99, 625–636.
6. Anudu, G. K., Nwankwoala, H. O., and Ofoegbu, G. I. (2020). Basement morphology and sediment thickness from aeromagnetic data in the Middle Benue Trough, Nigeria. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 168, 103903.
7. Anudu, G.K., Stephenson, R.A., Ofoegbu, C.O., Obrike, S.E., (2019). Basement morphology of the middle Benue Trough, Nigeria, revealed from analysis of high-resolution aeromagnetic data using grid based operator methods, Journal of African Earth Sciences
8. Benkhelil, J. (1987). Cretaceous deformation, magmatism and metamorphism in the lower Benue Trough Nigeria. Geological Journal, Vol. 22, pp. 467-493.
9. Coulon, C., Vida, P., Dupuy, C., Baudin, P., Popoff, M., Maluski, H., and Hermite, D., (1996). The mesozoic to early cenozoic magmatism of the Benue Trough (Nigeria); geochemical evidence for the involvement of the St Helena Plume. J. Petrol. 37 (6), 1341–1358.
10. Guiraud, R. and Maurin, J. C. (1992). Early Cretaceous rifts of Western and Central African. In: P. A., Ziegler (ed.), Geodynamics of rifting, Vol. II. Case history studies on rifts: North and South.
11. Obaje, N.G; Bomai, A; Zanna M; Adeoye J; Yusuf I. Adamu S; Dauda R; Tukura B; Gyang S; Akwashiki J; Adamu L.M and Naibi H.S (2022). New Insights on Potential Petroleum Systems in the Middle Benue Trough of Nigeria. European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers. 83^rd EAGE Annual Conference and Exhibition vol. 2022, p1-5.
12. Ofoegbu, C.O., (1985). Interpretation of an aeromagnetic profile across the Benue Trough of Nigeria. ’, Afr. Earth Earth Sci. 3 (3), 293-296.
13. Ogunmola, J. K., Oha, I. A., Salawu, N. B., Yenne, E. Y., Osagie, A. U., Akpan, O., Omosanya, K. O. L., Goki, N., Olobaniyi, S. B., Dada, S. S., and  Green, C. M. (2024). Architecture and structure of the Nigerian continental crust. In S. S. Dada, S. B. Olobaniyi, and K. O. L. Omosanya (Eds.), Geology and Natural Resources of Nigeria (1st ed., pp. 1-28). CRC
14. Osinowo, O. O., Akanji, A. O., Sanuade, O. A., and Esho, O. O. (2023). Hydrocarbon potential evaluation of Middle Benue Basin, East Central Nigeria using high resolution aeromagnetic data. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 215, 110763.
15. Petters, S. W., and Ekweozor, C. M. (1982). Hydrocarbon habitat of the Benue Trough, Nigeria. AAPG Bulletin, 66(7), 839-848.
16. Yenne, E. Y., Green, C. M., Torvela, T., and Omosanya, K. O. L. (2024). Implications to basin evolution from the interpretation of superficial and buried geological features from remote sensing magnetic data sets, lower and middle Benue Trough, Nigeria. Results in Earth Sciences, 2, 100029.