The Nigeria Police Force and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have uncovered what authorities described as a sophisticated examination malpractice network during the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Delta State.
The operation, carried out at the College of Education, Warri, exposed attempts to manipulate the computer based examination through illegal remote access to candidates’ systems while the examination was in progress.
According to the Police, intelligence reports and digital forensic investigations revealed that the syndicate deployed technology assisted methods to compromise the integrity of the examination process.
The investigation led to the arrest of four suspects allegedly linked to the operation. Police authorities said the suspects are currently in custody and are assisting investigators with further information regarding the network and its operations.
Security agencies also disclosed that investigations have spread beyond the Warri centre, with several other examination centres now under scrutiny for possible involvement in similar activities.
Following the development, JAMB has reportedly withdrawn the results of affected centres pending the outcome of investigations. Candidates impacted by the action are expected to be rescheduled for the mop up examination in line with the Board’s guidelines.
The development has again raised concerns over the increasing use of technology and cyber tools in examination malpractice across the country’s education system, especially within computer based testing environments.
The Nigeria Police Force warned candidates, centre operators, and collaborators against engaging in any form of examination fraud, cyber manipulation, or unauthorised access to examination platforms, stressing that those found culpable would face prosecution.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, said the Police remain committed to dismantling criminal networks attempting to undermine the credibility of public examinations and Nigeria’s education system.
