The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force have arrested at least 20 suspects over their involvement in the UTME CBT hacking scheme.
The coordinated crackdown follows an intense investigation into a large syndicate believed to be behind the breach of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) computer-based test (CBT) system.
Investigators have revealed that the suspects, many of whom have confessed, allegedly targeted the servers of major examination bodies including the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).
According to a security source quoted by AIT, “The syndicate installed malicious software on JAMB hardware which gave them remote access to the servers, especially during UTME sessions at targeted CBT centres.”
Their objective, the source explained, was to manipulate UTME scores for paying candidates and discredit JAMB’s credibility in conducting computer-based tests.
“These people were paid between N700,000 and N2 million by candidates who wanted guaranteed high scores,” the source added.
Furthermore, the operation was not limited to individuals working alone.
Several of the arrested suspects reportedly own private schools, which served as covers for the illegal activities.
These institutions also ran “special centres” where candidates received access to compromised questions and inflated results.
Moreover, findings have shown that the syndicate has more than 100 members across various states.
Many are still being tracked, as authorities believe this may be one of the biggest examination scams in Nigeria’s history.
In addition, the use of advanced tech tactics to penetrate JAMB’s CBT platform has raised concerns about the security and reliability of digital examinations.
The manipulation of scores, especially for such a crucial national test, could have long-term effects on the quality of education and trust in the academic system.
Officials have described the act as dangerous and selfish, especially as it was allegedly carried out by school owners and education professionals who were expected to uphold academic values.
The authorities are urging for quick prosecution.
“This level of sabotage is unacceptable. Those involved must face the full weight of the law to serve as a lesson,” one official said.
Meanwhile, the investigation is far from over, as more suspects are being identified and arrests are expected to continue.
Therefore, stakeholders have been called upon to support the ongoing probe and help protect the future of Nigeria’s examination system.
