The Nigeria Police Force, in partnership with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has successfully disrupted a sophisticated examination malpractice syndicate during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at the College of Education, Warri, in Delta State. The operation, which targeted technology-assisted fraud and unauthorized access to examination systems, led to the arrest of three suspects and the suspension of results from affected centres. Authorities say the crackdown was driven by credible intelligence and digital forensic evidence, highlighting the growing threat of cyber-enabled examination fraud in Nigeria’s education sector.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed during a press briefing on Friday at the Police Headquarters that preliminary investigations revealed unauthorized remote access to candidates’ computer systems during the ongoing UTME. This breach allowed criminal elements to potentially manipulate or steal examination data, undermining the integrity of the national assessment process. The police emphasized that the suspects were apprehended through coordinated operations based on intelligence gathered from digital forensics and surveillance.
The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations. Authorities have also identified additional examination centres suspected of involvement in similar fraudulent activities, raising concerns about the scale of the operation. As a precautionary measure, JAMB has withdrawn results from the affected centres pending the conclusion of investigations to ensure fairness and transparency in the admission process.
Candidates impacted by the disruption will be rescheduled for the mop-up examination in accordance with established procedures. This ensures that no student is unfairly disadvantaged due to the actions of a few individuals seeking to compromise the system. The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning to all candidates, examination centre operators, and potential collaborators to desist from any form of malpractice, including cyber fraud and unauthorized system intrusion.
The force reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks that threaten the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system. By leveraging technology and intelligence, the police aim to stay ahead of evolving fraud tactics. This incident underscores the need for enhanced security measures in national examinations and highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and examination bodies. As Nigeria continues to modernize its educational assessment processes, such vigilance will be crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.
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