The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has uncovered and dismantled a suspected examination malpractice syndicate operating in Delta State during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The operation, which took place at the College of Education, Warri, led to the arrest of three suspects believed to be part of a wider network involved in computer-based examination fraud.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the increasing use of technology to manipulate examination systems in Nigeria, especially in high-stakes exams such as the UTME, which determines admission into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anthony Placid, said the arrest followed intelligence-led investigations into attempts by criminal groups to compromise the integrity of the examination.
According to him, the syndicate used advanced digital methods to gain unauthorized access to candidates’ computer systems during the examination.
Placid explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were able to remotely interfere with ongoing examination sessions, raising serious concerns about the level of technical sophistication used by the group.
“Acting on credible intelligence and digital forensic leads, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force carried out coordinated operations which led to the arrest of three suspects directly linked to the criminal activity,” he said.
He added that the suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting investigators with useful information that may help uncover other members of the network.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, which oversees the conduct of the UTME across Nigeria, also confirmed that additional examination centres are under investigation for possible involvement in similar malpractice activities.
JAMB has since taken administrative action by withdrawing results from affected centres pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
The board also stated that candidates affected by the disruption will be given another opportunity to sit for the examination during a scheduled mop-up exercise, in line with established procedures.
The UTME is one of the most important examinations in Nigeria’s education system, as it determines admission into tertiary institutions. Over the years, JAMB has introduced several reforms, including the use of Computer-Based Testing (CBT), to reduce cases of examination malpractice.
However, despite these efforts, cases of fraud, impersonation and system manipulation have continued to surface, prompting renewed collaboration between security agencies and education authorities.
The latest bust in Delta State highlights the evolving nature of examination malpractice, where criminals are now using digital tools and cyber methods instead of traditional cheating techniques.
In recent years, JAMB has repeatedly warned candidates and CBT centre operators against any form of cheating, stressing that strict penalties await anyone caught violating examination rules.
The police also issued a strong warning following the latest arrests, cautioning candidates, centre operators and other collaborators to stay away from any form of examination fraud or cyber intrusion.
DCP Placid said the Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.
“The police remains committed to identifying, dismantling, and prosecuting criminal networks seeking to undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system,” he said.
He added that the Force will continue to work closely with JAMB and other relevant agencies to ensure that examinations in the country are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the joint operation, describing it as a step in the right direction towards restoring confidence in the examination process.
A university lecturer in Delta State, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the arrest shows that examination malpractice is becoming more sophisticated and requires stronger monitoring systems.
He noted that the credibility of national examinations must be protected to ensure that only qualified candidates gain admission into tertiary institutions.
Parents and students have also expressed mixed reactions to the development. While some commended the authorities for taking action, others expressed concern about delays caused by cancelled results and rescheduled examinations.
Nigeria’s education sector has long struggled with examination malpractice, which experts say undermines academic standards and produces unqualified graduates.
Over the years, government agencies, schools and examination bodies have introduced various measures such as biometric verification, CCTV monitoring and CBT systems to curb cheating.
Despite these efforts, cases of malpractice continue to emerge, especially in major national examinations such as WAEC, NECO and UTME.
The latest incident in Delta State adds to a growing list of cyber-related exam fraud cases that have raised concerns about the security of digital examination platforms.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing and more arrests may follow as efforts continue to trace other members of the syndicate.
Meanwhile, JAMB has assured the public that no candidate involved in malpractice will be allowed to benefit from the system, adding that fairness and integrity remain central to its operations.
As the investigation progresses, both the police and JAMB say they are determined to ensure that the 2026 UTME results reflect only the true performance of candidates who followed due process.
The case is expected to further strengthen calls for improved security measures in Nigeria’s examination system as authorities battle to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated exam fraud networks.