Nigeria’s government has said jihadist groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are behind the recent wave of kidnappings in north-west and central Nigeria. This is the first time officials have named suspects but they gave no evidence. Some analysts told the BBC the kidnappings were done by local criminal gangs known as "bandits," not jihadists. Kidnapping for ransom is a growing business in Nigeria, involving various groups. In the last two weeks, there were three mass kidnappings: on November 17, 25 people including one teacher were abducted from a school in Kebbi state; on November 18, 38 people were kidnapped from a church in Kwara state; on November 21, over 250 children and 12 staff were reportedly taken from a Catholic school in Niger state. Authorities say all but some abductees have been freed recently. Paying ransom is illegal in Nigeria, but rumors say the ban is often ignored. Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare told the BBC that negotiations and other methods had succeeded in freeing captives but did not confirm ransom payments. He said, "Abundant data - both nationally and internationally - reveals clearly that ISWAP are all over the place. Also, whatever is left of Boko Haram, they are right there." Analysts disagree. Bulama Bukarti said, "I don't think that's accurate. There is no ISWAP or Boko Haram cell resident in the north-west. The recent kidnappings... were carried out by bandits, not Boko Haram or ISWAP." An international group, Acled, agreed that Fulani militia bandits were behind the kidnappings. These bandits often attack to displace locals for illegal mining. Meanwhile, a separate kidnapping of 13 girls in Boko Haram’s base in Borno state likely involved jihadists. The kidnappings and violence have gained global attention, with US President Donald Trump threatening military action. But Nigerian officials say all faiths suffer and deny Christians are specifically targeted.