UTME exam fraud syndicate uncovered in Delta as police and JAMB arrest suspects over technology-assisted malpractice

The Nigeria Police Force, working alongside the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, has uncovered and disrupted a sophisticated UTME exam fraud syndicate during the conduct of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination at the College of Education, Warri in Delta.

Also read: JAMB to decide UTME cut-off marks at crucial meeting

Police said the operation followed intelligence-driven investigations into attempts by criminal elements to compromise the integrity of the nationwide examination through technology-assisted fraud and unauthorised remote access to examination systems.

According to preliminary findings, unauthorised remote access was illegally gained into candidates’ computer systems while the examination was in progress.

Acting on what authorities described as credible intelligence and digital forensic evidence, police operatives launched coordinated operations that led to the arrest of three suspects allegedly connected to the criminal network.

The suspects are currently in police custody and assisting investigators with ongoing inquiries into the operation.

Authorities disclosed that investigations had also uncovered the involvement of additional examination centres suspected of participating in similar illegal activities.

As part of immediate administrative actions, JAMB has withdrawn results from affected centres pending the conclusion of investigations.

Candidates impacted by the development will be rescheduled for mop-up examinations in accordance with established examination procedures.

The shocking discovery has intensified concerns over the increasing use of digital tools and cyber-assisted methods to compromise public examinations across Nigeria.

In a statement, the Nigeria Police Force warned candidates, examination centre operators and collaborators against involvement in any form of examination malpractice or unauthorised system intrusion.

The force reaffirmed its commitment to identifying and dismantling criminal networks seeking to undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system.

The UTME exam fraud syndicate case marks one of the most significant technology-related examination malpractice investigations in recent years, reflecting growing pressure on authorities to strengthen digital security around public examinations.

Also read: JAMB releases Monday UTME results

JAMB has increasingly relied on computer-based testing and biometric verification systems as part of broader reforms aimed at curbing impersonation, result manipulation and organised examination fraud nationwide.