Police tighten security nationwide as 2026 UTME begins
The police have deployed personnel across multiple states as the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) commenced nationwide today, aiming to prevent malpractice and ensure candidates’ safety.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said about 2.2 million candidates are expected to sit for the examination across 966 computer-based test (CBT) centres, with over 800 officials overseeing the process.
Ahead of the exercise, the inspector-general of police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, ordered the deployment of rapid response teams to CBT centres across the country.
In a statement, police spokesperson Anthony Placid dismissed circulating rumours about threats to candidates’ safety, describing them as unfounded. He added that security measures include routine patrols, perimeter checks, and strategically positioned response teams.
In Lagos, police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi said the state commissioner of police, Tijani Fatai, had ordered the deployment of personnel and intelligence assets to all approved CBT centres. She noted that officers have been instructed to maintain professionalism while taking firm action against malpractice and disorderly conduct.
Similarly, in Enugu, spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe said the commissioner of police, Mamman Giwa, had directed adequate deployment of personnel and resources to ensure smooth conduct of the examination.
The Ogun police command also deployed officers across 72 CBT centres in the state. According to spokesperson Oluseyi Babatunde, area commanders have been placed on high alert, with a warning that anyone involved in examination malpractice or impersonation will face arrest and prosecution.
In Delta, spokesperson Bright Edafe said the commissioner of police, Yemi Oyeniyi, had activated an intelligence-led security framework to protect examination centres and ICT infrastructure.
Other states where similar deployments have been reported include Anambra, Ondo, Plateau, Kwara, Osun, Edo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Authorities say the coordinated security effort is aimed at ensuring a safe, orderly, and credible examination process across the country.
