Soil Forensics in Criminal Investigation: Prospects for Application in Agricultural Communities in Benue State

Soil forensics involves the analysis of soil evidence to link suspects, victims, or objects to specific geographic locations, making it a valuable investigative tool in rural and agricultural crime contexts. This study explores the prospects for applying soil forensic methods in criminal investigations conducted in farming communities in Benue State, North Central Nigeria. A descriptive exploratory design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with ten agricultural extension officers and eight criminal investigators from the Benue State Police Command, supplemented by soil sample collection from ten distinct farming zones in the state. Samples were analysed for mineral composition, particle size distribution, organic matter content, and microbial signatures to establish locality-specific soil profiles. The study assesses how these profiles could be used to corroborate or refute suspect movements in cases of farm theft, land conflict, and homicide. Findings indicate that Benue State's diverse agro-ecological zones offer distinct soil profiles that could support forensic geographic profiling. However, no operational framework exists for collecting, preserving, or analysing soil evidence within the state police forensic unit. Recommendations include the establishment of a soil reference database for Benue State and the training of investigators in soil evidence collection protocols. Keywords: soil forensics, criminal investigation, Benue State, geographic profiling, agricultural crime.