The Nigeria Police Force, working in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has uncovered and disrupted a suspected examination malpractice network during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Delta State.

The operation followed intelligence-led surveillance targeting individuals allegedly attempting to manipulate the examination process through technology-based fraud and illegal remote system access.

According to a statement released on Friday by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the incident was recorded at the College of Education, Warri examination centre while the UTME was ongoing.

Tech-Enabled Breach Attempt Uncovered

Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that some unidentified actors gained unauthorised remote access to candidates’ computer systems during the examination session.

Authorities said the breach was part of a coordinated attempt to compromise the integrity of the computer-based testing system used for the national examination.

Security operatives reportedly acted on intelligence before the scheme could fully scale, leading to its disruption and containment.

Police Move to Strengthen Exam Security

The Nigeria Police Force described the operation as part of broader efforts to protect the credibility of national examinations and curb emerging forms of digital examination malpractice.

Officials noted that investigations are ongoing to identify all individuals involved in the syndicate, including possible collaborators within and outside the examination centres.

Authorities also reiterated their commitment to supporting JAMB in safeguarding the integrity of the UTME, especially as criminal networks increasingly adopt technological methods to exploit examination systems.

The incident has once again raised concerns about the evolving nature of examination fraud in Nigeria, particularly the growing use of digital tools to bypass established security protocols.