The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated examination malpractice syndicate during the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Warri, Delta State.
According to the police, the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) after intelligence reports revealed attempts by criminal elements to compromise the integrity of the examination using advanced technology and unauthorized remote access systems.
Speaking at the Force Headquarters on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed that investigators discovered that unauthorized persons remotely gained access to candidates’ computer systems while the examination was in progress at the College of Education, Warri.
Following digital forensic investigations and coordinated security operations, police operatives arrested three suspects allegedly connected to the cyber-assisted examination fraud. The suspects are currently in custody and assisting investigators.
The police also revealed that investigations have exposed the involvement of other examination centres suspected of participating in similar illegal activities.
As a result, JAMB has withdrawn results from affected centres pending the outcome of investigations. Candidates affected by the development are expected to participate in a mop-up examination to be scheduled by the examination body.
The Nigeria Police Force warned candidates, CBT centre operators and collaborators against engaging in examination malpractice, cyber fraud and unauthorized system intrusion, stressing that anyone found culpable would face prosecution.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the credibility of Nigeria’s education system and dismantling criminal networks attempting to manipulate public examinations.
