Challenges of Radiological Security amidst National Security Issues in a Developing Nation - A Case Study of Nigeria

Preventing men of the underworld from getting access to sensitive facilities is of utmost priority in a region bedeviled with multiple security issues. The situation is even more dire when nuclear materials/facilities are located in the domain. This paper highlights measures to be put in place to enhance radiological security in the vicinity of the Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR) at the Center for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. While radiological security is a whole gamut of activities involving prevention, detection and response to malicious acts involving nuclear materials, attention is paid only to prevention in this study. The ultimate goal is to reduce threats to radiological security to the barest minimum in conformity with international best practices. The suggestions made in this paper would be useful in check-mating the activities of terror groups in the vicinity of the MNSR. It will also help state actors in planning and executing robust security networks across the country, especially where nuclear materials may be located.