The Nigeria Police Force and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have uncovered an alleged examination malpractice network during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Delta State.

The operation, carried out at the College of Education, Warri, exposed what authorities described as a coordinated scheme involving technology-driven fraud and illegal access to candidates’ examination systems.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, investigations showed that unauthorized individuals remotely accessed candidates’ computer systems while the examination was in progress.

He said intelligence gathering and digital forensic investigations led to coordinated police operations that resulted in the arrest of three suspects allegedly connected to the syndicate.

The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting investigators.

Police further disclosed that investigations had revealed the possible involvement of other examination centres suspected of participating in similar activities.

As part of immediate measures, JAMB has withheld results from affected centres pending the conclusion of investigations. Candidates impacted by the development are expected to sit for a mop-up examination in accordance with the board’s procedures.

The police warned candidates, centre operators and collaborators against engaging in examination malpractice, cyber-related fraud or unauthorized access to examination systems, stressing that efforts were ongoing to dismantle criminal networks undermining the credibility of public examinations in the country.