In a major operation, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force apprehended 20 suspects involved in hacking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for 2025. The alleged cybercrime targeted the examination systems managed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Reports indicate that this hacking syndicate comprises over 100 members. The group specializes in infiltrating the digital systems of prominent examination bodies, including JAMB and the National Examinations Council (NECO). This breach has raised concerns about the security of Nigeria’s computer-based testing (CBT) platforms.

According to security officials, the suspects confessed to disrupting JAMB’s CBT system deliberately. Their alleged motive was to weaken public confidence in the reliability of the CBT format. This could potentially discourage its use in future exams conducted by NECO and the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

The arrests underline the ongoing efforts of security agencies to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s education system. As cybercrime becomes increasingly sophisticated, these actions serve as a reminder of the need for robust digital infrastructure and vigilant monitoring.