Now, in a nation that for over a decade has been blighted by armed attacks on civilians, people are wondering whether these assaults are failing to subside because criminal elements and security personnel are working together. It is not unreasonable to believe some of these groups are being assisted by military personnel, Bashir Galma, a security analyst and retired army major, told the BBC. Between April 2014 and May 2026, there were 26 major school attacks with at least 2,416 students abducted, the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) says. "What we need to do is to strengthen our intelligence and to deal with them ruthlessly," he said during a security meeting. Months later, a special court-martial sentenced three Nigerian soldiers to life imprisonment for their involvement in a major arms and ammunition racketeering scheme.