The Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, has arrested at least 20 suspects in Abuja for allegedly hacking the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) computer-based test system.
According to security sources, the suspects belong to a larger criminal syndicate believed to consist of over 100 individuals. The group reportedly specializes in breaching examination bodies’ servers, including those of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).
The suspects allegedly confessed to sabotaging the CBT platform with the aim of undermining JAMB’s credibility and dissuading the use of computer-based testing in future examinations, particularly by NECO and WAEC.
Authorities revealed that the syndicate charged between ₦700,000 and ₦2 million per candidate to manipulate scores, primarily targeting “special centres” known for exam malpractice.
Further investigation disclosed that several members of the ring own private schools and tutorial centers, which they used as fronts for their operations. These institutions were reportedly used to enroll and process high-paying candidates for illicit result upgrades.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, while addressing reporters at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, reiterated the board’s commitment to transparency. He also dismissed allegations of bias or favoritism in the 2025 UTME result outcomes.
“We are aware of attempts to discredit our system, but we remain focused on upholding the integrity of JAMB examinations,” Oloyede said.
The arrests are part of a broader effort by Nigerian security agencies to clamp down on cybercrime targeting the education sector. The DSS has reportedly launched further operations to identify and apprehend additional members of the network.
The authorities have warned against the patronage of so-called “miracle centres,” stating that both students and facilitators will face severe legal consequences.
Meanwhile, education stakeholders have commended the security agencies for their swift response, urging for continued vigilance and policy reform to curb examination fraud in Nigeria.
