Law enforcement, exam officials dismantle sophisticated test cheating ring in Delta state

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The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, has uncovered and disrupted a sophisticated examination malpractice syndicate during the conduct of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in Delta State.

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The development followed intelligence-led investigations into attempts by criminal elements to compromise the integrity of the examination through technology-assisted fraud and unauthorised remote access to examination systems.

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According to a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the incident occurred at the College of Education Warri examination centre during the ongoing UTME exercise.

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The police explained that preliminary investigations revealed that unauthorised remote access was illegally gained into candidates’ computer systems while the examination was ongoing.

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“The operation followed intelligence-led investigations into attempts by criminal elements to compromise the integrity of the examination through technology-assisted fraud and unauthorised remote access to examination systems,” the statement read.

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It added that operatives of the Nigeria Police Force carried out coordinated operations based on “credible intelligence and digital forensic leads,” leading to the arrest of three suspects allegedly connected to the syndicate.

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“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,” the statement added.

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The police said the suspects are currently in custody and are assisting investigators with further inquiries into the network.

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“The suspects are currently in Police custody assisting ongoing investigations,” the statement said.

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The Force also disclosed that investigations had uncovered the involvement of additional examination centres suspected to have engaged in similar activities.

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“Investigations have also uncovered the involvement of additional examination centres suspected to have engaged in similar illegal activities,” the police noted.

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As part of immediate administrative measures, JAMB withdrew results from the affected centres pending the conclusion of investigations.

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“Consequently, JAMB has taken administrative measures, including the withdrawal of results from affected centres pending the conclusion of investigations,” the statement added.

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The examination body also confirmed that candidates affected by the development would not lose the opportunity to sit the examination, as fresh arrangements are being made for them.

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“Candidates affected by the development will be rescheduled for the mop-up examination in line with established procedures,” the statement said.

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The police warned candidates, operators of Computer-Based Test centres, and criminal collaborators against engaging in any form of examination malpractice or cyber-related fraud.

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“The Force warns all candidates, examination centre operators, and criminal collaborators to desist from engaging in any form of examination malpractice, cyber-assisted fraud, or unauthorized system intrusion,” the statement read.

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Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system, the police vowed to continue tracking and prosecuting criminal networks behind examination fraud.

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