Nigeria Blames Jihadist Groups for Kidnappings, Analysts See Bandits
The government points to Boko Haram and ISWAP as the cause of recent kidnappings, but analysts argue local bandit gangs are responsible amid rising ransom cases.
Nigeria faces a surge in kidnappings across the north‑west and central regions. The government claims jihadist groups Boko Haram and its breakaway faction ISWAP are driving the attacks, while independent researchers argue the culprits are local criminal bands known as bandits.
What the government says
Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare described Boko Haram and ISWAP as the main suspects behind the recent kidnappings, citing data that suggests their reach nationwide. He offered no public evidence in the briefing and emphasized that authorities will continue efforts to rescue those abducted.
What analysts say
Experts who spoke with INLIBER challenge the government’s narrative. Bulama Bukarti, a security analyst, argues there is no ISWAP or Boko Haram cell operating in the northwest and that the incidents are carried out by loosely organized local bandit networks that ride on motorcycles.
International monitor Acled also assessed the three cases as the work of Fulani militias—locally called bandits—rather than jihadist forces. It notes the large attack on St Mary’s Catholic School may have political aims tied to government pressure and local disputes over mining and land use.
Context and recent events
The wave of abductions comes amid Nigeria’s broader security challenges. In a separate incident in Borno state, 13 teenage girls were abducted, a development analysts associate with jihadist groups. Officials insist violence affects people of all faiths and deny that Christians are specifically targeted.
Ransom policy and enforcement
Nigeria bans ransom payments, but families continue to report demands and some releases after negotiations. Authorities say negotiations and other measures have led to successful outcomes in some cases.
Expert comment
Bulama Bukarti notes that the northwest pattern aligns more with local bandit activity than with jihadist campaigns, underscoring the need for responses tailored to local dynamics.
Short summary
The latest kidnappings spark a debate about who is responsible. The government attributes them to Boko Haram and ISWAP, while independent researchers point to local bandit gangs operating in the region. The events highlight a broader trend of ransom kidnappings and the challenge of addressing criminal networks that span multiple states.
Key insight: Local bandit networks are likely driving many of the recent abductions in Nigeria’s west and central regions, not the major jihadist groups. Source: BBC News