The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated examination malpractice syndicate in Warri, Delta State.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, on Friday, the syndicate was uncovered during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at the College of Education, Warri, Delta State.
According to him, the breakthrough followed intelligence-led investigations into attempts by criminal elements to compromise the integrity of the examination through technology-driven fraud and unauthorized remote access to examination systems.
“Preliminary findings revealed that while the examination was in progress, unauthorized individuals illegally gained remote access to candidates’ computer systems in an attempt to manipulate the process”.
“Acting on credible intelligence and digital forensic evidence, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force carried out coordinated operations that led to the arrest of Three suspects believed to be directly connected to the criminal network. The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations.
“Further investigations have also uncovered the involvement of other examination centres suspected to have engaged in similar illegal activities”, he added.
In response to the development, JAMB has taken administrative actions, including the withdrawal of results from affected centres pending the conclusion of investigations. Candidates impacted by the action will be rescheduled for the mop-up examination in line with established procedures.
The police warned candidates, examination centre operators, and other collaborators against engaging in examination malpractice, cyber-assisted fraud, or unauthorized system intrusion, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to identifying, dismantling, and prosecuting criminal networks seeking to undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system.
