The Nigerian government says jihadist groups Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (Iswap) are behind the recent wave of abductions in north-western and central Nigeria, but this has been disputed by analysts who tell the BBC they were committed by criminal gangs locally known as "bandits".
This is the first time the government has stated who it believes is responsible for the kidnappings but it has not revealed any evidence to back its claims.
Kidnap for ransom has become big business in parts of Nigeria in recent years - with the culprits ranging from kidnap gangs, jihadists and separatists.
It is a lucrative money-spinner but the government consistently denies paying ransoms.
In the past fortnight alone, there have been three mass kidnappings in the region:
