Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, have uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated examination malpractice syndicate that allegedly deployed cyber tools to interfere with the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Delta State.
The operation, carried out at the College of Education, Warri, led to the arrest of three suspects believed to be directly involved in the technology-driven fraud, according to a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid.
Placid said the breakthrough followed intelligence-led investigations into attempts by criminal elements to compromise the integrity of the examination through unauthorized digital access and remote manipulation of candidates’ computer systems while the test was ongoing.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that during the examination, unauthorized remote access was illegally gained into candidates’ computer systems,” the statement said.
Acting on credible intelligence and digital forensic analysis, police operatives reportedly conducted coordinated raids that resulted in the arrest of the three suspects, who are currently in custody assisting ongoing investigations.
The police further disclosed that preliminary findings have widened the scope of the probe, with indications that additional examination centres may have been involved in similar acts of malpractice.
In response, JAMB has reportedly taken administrative measures, including the withdrawal of results from affected centres, pending the conclusion of investigations. Candidates impacted by the development are expected to participate in a mop-up examination to be scheduled in line with established procedures.
The security agency warned candidates, examination centre operators, and collaborators against engaging in any form of examination fraud or cyber-assisted malpractice, stressing that such actions undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s education system.
The Police reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks targeting national examinations, adding that all suspects and accomplices will be diligently investigated and prosecuted.
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