The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, led to the arrest of three suspects allegedly linked to technology-driven attempts to compromise the integrity of the examination at the College of Education, Warri.
During a press briefing on Friday, Anthony Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, noted that the breakthrough followed intelligence-led investigations into coordinated efforts by criminal elements to manipulate the computer-based examination process through cyber-assisted methods and unauthorised remote access to examination systems.
Police investigators said preliminary findings revealed that unauthorised remote access was illegally gained into candidates’ computer systems while the examination was in progress.
He explained that operatives of the Nigeria Police Force acted on credible intelligence and digital forensic leads to launch coordinated operations that eventually exposed the syndicate and resulted in the arrest of the suspects.
“The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting investigators with ongoing enquiries aimed at uncovering the full scope of the operation and identifying other collaborators,” Placid stated.
He also disclosed that investigations had revealed the involvement of additional examination centres suspected to have participated in similar illegal activities during the UTME exercise.
As part of immediate administrative measures, JAMB has withdrawn the results of affected centres pending the conclusion of investigations.
Authorities, however, assured affected candidates that they would be given another opportunity to sit for the examination during the mop-up exercise in accordance with established procedures.
The Nigeria Police Force warned candidates, operators of examination centres, and other collaborators against engaging in examination fraud, cyber-assisted malpractice, or unauthorised access to examination systems.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to identifying, dismantling, and prosecuting criminal networks seeking to undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system,” Placid added.
He further stated that investigations are ongoing and more arrests could follow as security agencies continue to track other members of the syndicate and determine the extent of the breach across affected centres.
