Three suspects are in police custody after operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) uncovered a coordinated cyber-enabled examination malpractice operation through which candidates’ computer systems were illegally accessed during the 2026 UTME in Warri, Delta State.
The operation, which followed intelligence-led investigations and digital forensic analysis, exposed what authorities described as a sophisticated criminal syndicate allegedly working to compromise the integrity of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination through unauthorized technological intrusion.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the illicit operation was uncovered during the conduct of the examination at the College of Education, Warri.
He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that unauthorized remote access was illegally gained into candidates’ computer systems while the examination was ongoing.
“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with JAMB, uncovered and disrupted a sophisticated examination malpractice syndicate during the conduct of the 2026 UTME in Delta State,” the police spokesman stated.
“This operation followed credible intelligence and painstaking digital forensic investigations into attempts by criminal elements to compromise the integrity of the examination process through technology-assisted fraud and unauthorized remote access to examination systems,” he added.
Placid disclosed that coordinated operations carried out by police operatives led to the arrest of three suspects directly linked to the criminal activity, noting that the suspects are currently assisting investigators.
“Acting on credible intelligence and digital forensic leads, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force carried out coordinated operations which resulted in the arrest of three suspects directly connected to the criminal enterprise,” he said.
“The suspects are currently in Police custody and are cooperating with investigators as efforts continue to uncover the full network and scope of the operation.”
The police further revealed that investigations have uncovered the possible involvement of additional examination centres suspected to have participated in similar illegal activities across the country.
According to the statement, JAMB has already initiated administrative measures against affected centres, including the withdrawal of examination results pending the conclusion of investigations.
“Candidates affected by these developments will be rescheduled for the mop-up examination in accordance with established procedures by JAMB,” Placid said.
The Force warned candidates, examination centre operators, and criminal collaborators against engaging in examination malpractice, cyber-assisted fraud, or unauthorized intrusion into examination systems.
“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to warn all candidates, examination centre operators, and criminal collaborators to desist from all forms of examination malpractice and cyber-enabled fraud,” the statement read.
“Anyone found engaging in acts capable of undermining the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
The police reaffirmed their commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to protect the integrity of public examinations and dismantle criminal networks exploiting technology to perpetrate fraud within the education sector.
“The Force remains resolute in identifying, dismantling, and prosecuting criminal syndicates seeking to undermine the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s educational system,” Placid stated.
