The Nigeria Police Force, in a significant collaborative effort with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has successfully uncovered and disrupted a sophisticated examination malpractice syndicate operating during the conduct of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This major breakthrough occurred at the College of Education, Warri, located in Delta State, aiming to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria's crucial educational assessment.

The operation was initiated following intelligence-led investigations that revealed attempts by criminal elements to severely compromise the examination process. These illicit activities involved advanced technology-assisted fraud and unauthorized remote access to candidates’ computer systems while the examination was actively ongoing. Preliminary investigations meticulously conducted by the police confirmed that such illegal remote access had indeed been gained, allowing for widespread manipulation.

Acting swiftly on credible intelligence and leveraging digital forensic leads, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force executed coordinated operations. These strategic actions led directly to the arrest of three key suspects, who are believed to be integrally linked to the criminal activity. The arrested individuals are currently in police custody, providing crucial assistance to the ongoing, in-depth investigations.

Further inquiries by the Nigeria Police Force have broadened the scope of the investigation, uncovering the suspected involvement of additional examination centres in similar illegal activities across the country. This discovery underscores the systemic nature of the challenge posed by such syndicates and necessitates a comprehensive response to protect the educational framework.

In response to these grave findings, JAMB has promptly implemented stringent administrative measures. These include the immediate withdrawal of results from all affected examination centres, a critical step taken to nullify any advantages gained through fraudulent means. Furthermore, candidates whose results have been withdrawn due to these developments will be fairly rescheduled for a mop-up examination, ensuring their opportunity to sit the test under legitimate conditions in line with established procedures.

Addressing the press at the Police Headquarters, the Police Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, issued a stern warning to all stakeholders. He cautioned candidates, examination centre operators, and any potential criminal collaborators to unequivocally desist from engaging in any form of examination malpractice, cyber-assisted fraud, or unauthorized system intrusion. DCP Placid reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to relentlessly identify, dismantle, and prosecute all criminal networks that seek to undermine the credibility and sanctity of Nigeria’s educational system.