The Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has said a member of the agency, Abdullahi Seidu, who was arrested for alleged involvement in kidnapping activities, was away without official permission before the arrest.
The state NSCDC Commandant, Suleiman Mafars, spoke on Monday while parading some suspects arrested in different parts of the state.
Seidu was arrested by officials of the state vigilance group in Koton-Karfe on Saturday for allegedly aiding bandits in the kidnap of residents.
The NSCDC commandant said the suspect was declared a deserter after he abandoned his duty post for two weeks.
According to him, service rules indicate that an official who unlawfully exempts himself from duty without cogent reasons has exited from service.
Mafars disclosed that the command tried in vain to connect with Seidu since September 8, 2021, adding that the authorities had commenced disciplinary actions against him before the news of his arrest by the vigilantes broke.
He noted that the agency would not condone any act of criminality from any member of the corps, adding that the command would ensure that he was brought to face the law.