The Nigerian Army has reportedly arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin and armed bandit leader identified as Denen Joe, popularly known as DJ Abam, in Chanchanji, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The suspect, described as a notorious criminal figure operating in Peva, Chanchanji Ward, was reportedly apprehended by military personnel early Tuesday morning.

A photograph shared on open-source intelligence (OSINT) platforms and obtained by SaharaReporters shows the suspect sitting on the ground in front of a military camouflage truck.

In the photograph, he is shirtless and barefoot, with his hands reportedly bound behind his back. A visible cut can also be seen on his forehead. He is wearing brown shorts, with mud and dirt smeared across his legs, while a yellow towel is draped around his neck.

An inset geolocation map on the image identifies the reported location of the arrest as an unnamed road near Peva Market and Living Faith Church in Yelwa, Takum, Taraba State.

The timestamp displayed on the image indicates that the arrest took place at 6:46:41 a.m. on October 20, 2026.

Chanchanji and surrounding communities have experienced persistent insecurity, including kidnappings and armed attacks.

DJ Abam has been accused of terrorising residents across parts of Taraba State and the neighbouring Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, where kidnapping and armed banditry have continued to raise security concerns.

The reported arrest has raised hopes among residents who have endured years of fear and violence, with the development seen as a potential breakthrough in efforts to tackle insecurity in the affected communities.

However, the Nigerian Army had not issued an official statement confirming the arrest as of the time of filing this report.

Details of the military operation that led to the suspect's reported capture, the specific allegations against him and the next steps by security authorities remain unclear.

It was also not immediately known whether he would be handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.