The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated examination malpractice syndicate during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Delta State.
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the police said the operation followed intelligence-led investigations into attempts by criminal elements to compromise the integrity of the UTME through technology-assisted fraud and unauthorized remote access to examination systems.
According to the statement, the incident occurred at the College of Education, Warri, where unauthorized remote access was allegedly gained into candidates’ computer systems while the examination was in progress.
The police said coordinated operations based on digital forensic evidence and credible intelligence led to the arrest of three suspects linked to the criminal activity. The suspects are currently in police custody and assisting investigators.
Preliminary findings also revealed that other examination centres may have been involved in similar illegal activities.
As part of immediate administrative measures, JAMB has withdrawn results from affected centres pending the conclusion of investigations. The examination body also announced that affected candidates would be rescheduled for the mop-up examination in line with its procedures.
The police warned candidates, centre operators, and collaborators against engaging in examination malpractice, cyber-assisted fraud, or unauthorized access to examination systems.
The Force reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks seeking to undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s education system and vowed to ensure those involved are prosecuted.
