Security Arrest 20 for Hacking JAMB Result Portal
The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force have arrested 20 suspects allegedly involved in hacking the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results. The suspects, who were apprehended in Abuja, are believed to be part of a large syndicate with over 100 members, specializing in compromising the computer servers of examination bodies, including the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).
According to sources, the suspects used sophisticated methods to gain unauthorized access to the examination bodies’ servers, allowing them to alter results, upgrade scores, and even register candidates for exams without their knowledge.
The syndicate is alleged to have been operating for several years, defrauding thousands of candidates and undermining the integrity of the examination system.
The DSS and Police operatives, who conducted a joint operation, recovered several incriminating materials, including laptops, mobile phones, and other gadgets, from the suspects.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate had been using the hacked results to extort money from unsuspecting candidates, who were desperate to secure admission into tertiary institutions.
Speaking on the arrest, a spokesperson for the DSS said, “The service has been monitoring the activities of this syndicate for some time now, and we are pleased to have finally apprehended some of its key members. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those involved in this nefarious activity are brought to justice.”
The Police Force also confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as possible.
“We are committed to protecting the integrity of our examination system and will not hesitate to take action against anyone found to be involved in exam malpractices,” a Police spokesperson said.
The arrest of the suspects has sent shockwaves through the education sector, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent exam malpractices. JAMB, in a statement, commended the DSS and Police for their efforts in tackling the menace, saying, “We will continue to work with security agencies to ensure that our examinations are conducted in a secure and transparent manner.”
As the investigation continues, candidates who may have fallen victim to the syndicate’s activities are advised to come forward and report their experiences to the authorities.
The DSS and Police have assured that all necessary measures will be taken to protect the identities of whistleblowers and ensure that justice is served.
In the meantime, the 20 suspects are being held in custody, pending further investigation and prosecution. If found guilty, they face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines, under the Cybercrime Act and other relevant laws.
This development is a significant step forward in the fight against exam malpractices in Nigeria, and it is hoped that it will serve as a deterrent to others who may be involved in similar activities.
