The Nigerian Army has 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, amid persistent insecurity involving kidnappings and armed attacks in the area.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended by military personnel in the early hours of Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in Peva, Chanchanji Ward, where he was described as a notorious criminal figure accused of terrorising residents.
A photograph shared on open-source intelligence (OSINT) platforms and obtained by ChroniclesReporters shows the suspected bandit leader sitting on the ground in front of a military camouflage truck following his reported arrest.
In the photograph, the suspect is shirtless and barefoot, with his hands bound behind his back. A visible cut can also be seen on his forehead. He is wearing dirty brown shorts, with mud and dirt smeared across his legs, while a yellow towel is draped around his neck.
An inset geolocation map accompanying the photograph identifies the reported arrest location 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 occurred at 6:46:41 a.m. on October 20, 2026.
DJ Abam has been accused of terrorising communities across parts of Taraba State and the neighbouring Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, where residents have faced persistent threats from kidnappers and armed groups.
Chanchanji and surrounding communities have experienced recurring insecurity, with kidnappings and armed attacks contributing to fear among residents and raising concerns about the safety of lives and property.
The reported arrest has therefore been welcomed by residents who have endured years of fear and violence, with the development raising hopes that security operations could help curb criminal activities in the affected communities.
However, the extent of the suspect’s alleged involvement in kidnapping and armed banditry has not been independently established, and the allegations against him remain subject to investigation.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army had not issued an official statement confirming the arrest or providing details of the operation that reportedly led to his capture.
It also remained unclear whether the suspect would be handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Further details concerning the circumstances of the arrest, the specific allegations against DJ Abam and the next steps by security authorities were not immediately available.