(Nigeria Police. Photo by Nigeria Police Force)
During the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at the College of Education, Warri, Delta State, a sophisticated examination malpractice syndicate was discovered and disrupted by the Nigeria Police Force and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The action came after intelligence-led investigations into attempts by criminal elements to use technology-assisted fraud and unlawful remote access to examination systems to undermine the test’s integrity.
According to preliminary investigations, candidates’ computer systems were illegally accessed remotely during the exam.Three people directly connected to the illicit activities were apprehended as a result of the Nigeria Police Force’s coordinated operations, which were based on reliable information and digital forensic leads.
Currently under police custody, the suspects are helping with ongoing investigations.
Investigations have also revealed the involvement of other testing facilities that are thought to have participated in comparable illicit operations.
As a result, JAMB has implemented administrative actions, such as removing results from impacted centers while investigations are ongoing. In accordance with established protocols, candidates impacted by the development will be rescheduled for the mop-up exam.
Exam malpractice, cyber-assisted fraud, and unauthorized system penetration are all prohibited by the Force for all candidates, exam center operators, and criminal accomplices.Â
The Nigeria Police Force is still dedicated to locating, breaking up, and prosecuting criminal networks that aim to damage Nigeria’s educational system.
DCP Anthony Placid, psc (+), MNIPR, MNI Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, May 8, 2026
