This study integrates airborne radiometric data and trace element geochemistry to delineate prospective mineralization zones within the Ikole–Itapaji Basement Complex, Southwestern Nigeria. Airborne radiometric datasets comprising potassium (K), thorium (Th), and uranium (U) channels were obtained from the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and processed to generate K, Th, U, potassium deviation (KD), and ternary radiometric maps. Thirty-five fresh rock samples were collected during geological mapping, from which twenty representative samples were selected for trace element analysis. Trace element concentrations were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS) following partial multi-acid digestion with hydrochloric acid (HCl), nitric acid (HNO₃), and perchloric acid (HClO₄), combined with lithium metaborate fusion. Statistical analyses involving Pearson correlation and factor analysis were used to evaluate elemental relationships and the controls on trace element distribution.The radiometric maps reveal elevated K, Th, U, and KD anomalies concentrated mainly within the Itapaji–Bolorunduro corridor, indicating felsic lithologies affected by hydrothermal alteration. Factor analysis extracted two significant components explaining 92.04% of the total variance. The first component (80.34%) is dominated by the Cu–Ni–Co–Fe–Zn association and represents the principal lithological factor, whereas the second component (11.71%) comprising As–Th–Ag–Pb reflects hydrothermal pathfinder mineralization. Correlation analysis further confirms strong positive relationships among Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, and Zn, while Ag, Pb, and Th define a distinct secondary association. The study demonstrates that integrating airborne radiometric data with trace element geochemistry provides a reliable framework for mineral prospectivity mapping and enhances metallic mineral exploration within the Nigerian Basement Complex.
