The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, has uncovered and disrupted what authorities described as a sophisticated examination malpractice syndicate during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted at the College of Education, Warri.
The development was disclosed on Friday during a joint press briefing held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where police authorities said the operation exposed an organised network involved in illegally accessing candidates’ examination systems during the UTME.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that unauthorized remote access was gained into candidates’ computers while the examination was ongoing at the centre in Warri, Delta State.
The Force said coordinated intelligence gathering and security operations led to the arrest of four suspects allegedly linked to the illegal activities. The suspects are currently in police custody and assisting investigators with further inquiries.
Investigators also identified another principal suspect who is currently on the run. Police said intelligence reports indicate that the fleeing suspect remotely accessed and operated candidates’ computer systems from undisclosed locations during the examination.
Authorities disclosed that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the suspect.
The police further revealed that investigations have uncovered other examination centres suspected to have engaged in similar illegal remote-access operations aimed at compromising the integrity of the UTME process.
As part of immediate administrative actions, JAMB has reportedly withdrawn results from affected centres pending the conclusion of investigations. Candidates impacted by the incident are expected to be rescheduled for mop-up examinations in line with the board’s commitment to fairness and due process.
Speaking during the briefing, the police emphasized that the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of JAMB’s technology-driven monitoring and security systems, as well as the operational and investigative capabilities of the Nigeria Police Force in combating emerging technology-assisted crimes.
The Force noted that JAMB had over the years strengthened its examination processes through sophisticated technological safeguards designed to prevent manipulation, intrusion and malpractice. However, it lamented that some examination centres and criminal collaborators still attempt to undermine the system through organised fraudulent schemes.
Police authorities warned candidates, centre operators and other collaborators against engaging in activities capable of compromising the nation’s educational system, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
The Force also stated that several individuals previously linked to examination malpractice had already been prosecuted and convicted, while others are currently standing trial in courts across the country.
According to the police, the latest operation was not only aimed at arresting offenders after crimes had been committed, but also at proactively dismantling organised examination malpractice networks through intelligence-led policing, digital forensics and strategic inter-agency collaboration.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with JAMB and other relevant stakeholders to protect the integrity and credibility of public examinations nationwide.
The Force also commended the management of JAMB and all security agencies involved in the operation for their professionalism, cooperation and dedication throughout the investigation.