The Nigeria Police Force, in partnership with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has disrupted a technology-driven examination malpractice syndicate during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at the College of Education, Warri, in Delta State. The operation followed intelligence reports indicating attempts by criminal actors to compromise the exam through remote access to candidates' computer systems. DCP Anthony Okon Placid, Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed the details at a press briefing on Friday at Police Headquarters. He stated that unauthorized remote access was illegally gained into computer systems during the exam. Based on digital forensic evidence and credible intelligence, police operatives conducted coordinated actions leading to the arrest of three suspects linked to the fraud. The suspects are currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations. Authorities revealed that additional examination centres are under investigation for possible involvement in similar illegal activities. JAMB has since taken administrative action, including the withdrawal of results from affected centres until investigations conclude. Affected candidates will be rescheduled for a mop-up examination according to established procedures. The Nigeria Police Force warned all candidates, exam centre operators and potential collaborators against engaging in examination malpractice, cyber fraud or unauthorized system intrusions. The police reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling criminal networks targeting the integrity of Nigeria's educational assessment systems.
Students whose results were invalidated due to the compromised exam must prepare to re-sit the UTME during the mop-up session. They should monitor JAMB's official channels for re-scheduling details and ensure compliance with resit requirements.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
