The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has successfully uncovered and disrupted a highly organized examination malpractice syndicate during the conduct of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at the College of Education, Warri, Delta State.
The breakthrough operation followed weeks of intelligence-led investigations into attempts by criminal elements.
The culprits tried to compromise the integrity of Nigeria’s most important tertiary admission examination.
This they did through advanced technology-assisted fraud and unauthorized remote access to examination systems.
Key Findings
- Remote Intrusion: Preliminary investigations revealed that during the UTME, unauthorized remote access was illegally gained into candidates’ computer systems while the exercise was ongoing.
- Arrests: Acting on credible intelligence and digital forensic leads, Police operatives carried out coordinated operations.
The operations led to the arrest of three suspects directly linked to the criminal activity.
- Ongoing Investigations: The suspects are currently in Police custody and are assisting investigators.
So far, they have provided crucial information expected to expose the wider network behind the scheme.
Wider Implications
Authorities have discovered that the malpractice may not have been isolated to Warri alone.
Additional examination centres across Delta State and beyond are suspected of engaging in similar illegal activities.
In response, JAMB has taken decisive administrative measures:
- Withdrawal of Results: Results from affected centres have been withheld pending the conclusion of investigations.
- Mop-Up Examination: Candidates impacted by the malpractice will be rescheduled for a mop-up examination in line with established procedures, ensuring that innocent students are not unfairly penalized.
Official Warning
The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning to:
- Candidates tempted to engage in malpractice.
- Examination centre operators who collude with fraudsters.
- Criminal collaborators attempting to exploit technology for illegal advantage.
Authorities emphasized that any form of examination malpractice, cyber-assisted fraud, or unauthorized system intrusion will be met with swift investigation, prosecution, and severe penalties.
Commitment to Integrity
The Force reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system.
By dismantling criminal networks that seek to undermine national examinations, the Police and JAMB aim to restore public confidence in the UTME process.
They also hope to ensure that merit, not manipulation, determines admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
This operation serves as a reminder that Nigeria’s security agencies are increasingly working hard to protect critical national processes from criminal exploitation.
To accomplish this feat, they deploy digital forensics, cyber intelligence, and coordinated enforcement.
