Nigeria blames jihadist groups for wave of kidnappings but others accuse criminal gangs
Summary
The Nigerian government says that jihadist groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa are behind recent kidnappings. Analysts believe, however, that local criminal gangs known as bandits are responsible. Over 250 children remain missing from one school in Niger state.Key Facts
- Nigeria blames jihadist groups for recent kidnappings but analysts argue local gangs, called bandits, are the culprits.
- More than 250 children were kidnapped from a school in Niger state.
- Kidnappings for ransom have become a common crime in parts of Nigeria.
- In recent weeks, there were three major kidnappings: in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states.
- Ransom payments are illegal in Nigeria, but there are claims the rule is often ignored.
- The Nigerian government says groups like Iswap, a Boko Haram offshoot, are behind the kidnappings.
- Some analysts dispute the government's view, saying bandits operate in the affected regions.
- Fulani militia, referred to as bandits, have been identified by an international group as responsible for recent kidnappings.
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