Police, JAMB Bust UTME Fraud Syndicate in Delta as IGP Orders Nationwide Community Policing Drive
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated examination malpractice syndicate during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Delta State, even as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, directed Commissioners of Police nationwide to intensify community policing through regular town hall engagements.
The police disclosed on Thursday that the examination fraud syndicate was uncovered at the College of Education, Warri, following intelligence-led investigations into attempts by criminal elements to compromise the integrity of the UTME using technology-assisted fraud and unauthorized remote access to examination systems.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, preliminary investigations revealed that unauthorized remote access was illegally gained into candidates’ computer systems while the examination was ongoing.
The statement said coordinated operations by police operatives, acting on credible intelligence and digital forensic leads, led to the arrest of three suspects directly linked to the criminal operation.
“The suspects are currently in Police custody assisting ongoing investigations,” the statement said.
The police further disclosed that investigations had uncovered the involvement of additional examination centres suspected to have engaged in similar illegal activities.
As a result, JAMB has reportedly withdrawn results from the affected centres pending the conclusion of investigations, while candidates affected by the development are to be rescheduled for the mop-up examination in line with established procedures.
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The Force warned candidates, examination centre operators and criminal collaborators against engaging in examination malpractice, cyber-assisted fraud or unauthorized system intrusion, stressing its commitment to identifying, dismantling and prosecuting criminal networks undermining the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system.
Meanwhile, the IGP has directed all Commissioners of Police across the country to strengthen community policing efforts through regular town hall meetings and improved accessibility to the public within their respective commands.
The directive was issued during an emergency conference with Commissioners of Police and members of the press at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
According to the IGP, effective policing cannot succeed without the trust, cooperation and active participation of citizens, emphasizing that security remains a collective responsibility requiring collaboration between the police and communities.
Under the new directive, Commissioners of Police are expected to hold regular interactive sessions with critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, market associations, transport unions, women groups and other community-based institutions.
The IGP also ordered Commissioners of Police to make their contact details accessible to recognized community leaders to strengthen communication, improve responsiveness and build public confidence in policing operations nationwide.
He noted that community-driven intelligence remains critical in combating crime and addressing emerging security threats, adding that stronger police-community relations would enhance public safety and operational effectiveness across the country.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to a people-centred and accountable policing system anchored on partnership, transparency and mutual trust.
By PRNigeria
