DSS, Police Arrest 20 Persons For Allegedly Hacking JAMB Servers, Manipulating UTME Results

The arrests, confirmed by security sources, mark a significant step in addressing cyber threats targeting Nigeria’s educational institutions.

The suspects, apprehended across states including Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Kano, and Delta, are allegedly part of a larger syndicate comprising over 100 members.

This group is accused of specializing in breaching the computer systems of national examination bodies, including JAMB and the National Examinations Council (NECO).

According to preliminary investigations, the hackers installed malicious software on examination hardware, enabling remote access to JAMB servers at selected Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers.

These hackers aimed to sabotage the integrity of the examination system, but their actions have been thwarted
Their goal? To manipulate results and undermine the credibility of the CBT system.

Security sources revealed that the syndicate’s strategy involved mounting routers near targeted CBT centers to override JAMB platforms, allowing certain candidates who paid between ₦700,000 and ₦2 million to access exam answers.

This interference reportedly distorted the system, leading to discrepancies between questions and answers, which contributed to widespread failures in the 2025 UTME.

Some syndicate members, who allegedly own private schools and colleges, are said to have orchestrated the hack to discredit CBT systems, fearing their full adoption by WAEC and NECO could disrupt their illicit operations.

Those found guilty will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“The DSS has been covertly monitoring this dangerous web of attacks,” a security source stated.

“These hackers aimed to sabotage the integrity of our examination system, but their actions have been thwarted.”

The source added that no evidence of complicity has been found against the seven JAMB officials who supervised the compromised centers, though investigations are ongoing.

The suspects, whose identities remain undisclosed pending formal charges, are in custody in Abuja.

Authorities have vowed to pursue additional arrests and ensure all culprits face justice.

“Those found guilty will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” a DSS spokesperson assured the public.

This incident highlights the growing challenge of cybercrime in Nigeria’s education sector and raises questions about the security of digital examination systems.

JAMB has yet to issue an official statement, but stakeholders are calling for stronger cybersecurity measures to protect future examinations.