The Nigeria Police Force, working alongside the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated examination malpractice syndicate during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at the College of Education in Warri, Delta State.
The operation followed intelligence-driven investigations into attempts by criminal groups to compromise the examination process through technology-enabled fraud and unauthorized remote access to examination systems.
According to preliminary police findings, unauthorized remote access was illegally obtained into candidates’ computer systems while the examination was in progress. Acting on credible intelligence and digital forensic evidence, police operatives carried out coordinated operations that resulted in the arrest of three suspects allegedly connected to the scheme. The suspects are currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.
Further investigations revealed that other examination centres may have been involved in similar illegal activities. In response, JAMB has withdrawn the results of affected centres pending the outcome of investigations. Candidates impacted by the development will be rescheduled for the mop-up examination in accordance with established procedures.
Confirming the development, police spokesperson DCP Anthony Placid warned candidates, examination centre operators, and collaborators against engaging in examination malpractice, cyber-related fraud, or unauthorized access to examination systems.
He reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to identifying, dismantling, and prosecuting criminal networks attempting to undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s education system.
