UTME 2026: Police deploy surveillance tech to secure exam centres nationwide

The Nigeria Police Force has announced it will deploy surveillance technology and additional personnel across examination centres nationwide ahead of the 2026 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams scheduled for April 16, saying the measures are both visible and covert.

The announcement, made by Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Placid on Tuesday, comes in direct response to viral rumours circulating on social media alleging plans by bandits to attack unspecified JAMB centres in the North-central region.

The police dismissed those claims as unfounded but said the concerns raised were taken seriously because of what is at stake.

“While the NPF does not act on rumours, the concerns raised by members of the public have been duly noted as it concerns the safety, education and future of our children and wards,” Placid said.

Security measures include routine patrols, perimeter checks, rapid response teams deployed to strategic locations, and inter-agency coordination to monitor and address threats in real time.

Both overt and covert monitoring systems will be active across centres, meaning some security presence will be visible to candidates and the public, while other surveillance and intelligence operations will run quietly in the background.

“Any individual or group attempting to disrupt the examination process will be swiftly identified and brought to justice,” Placid added.

Similar read: UTME 2026: JAMB revises first session’s arrival time to 7am

UTME: What police want candidates to know before exam day

Beyond the security announcement, the police have a direct message for candidates sitting the exams across the country.

Candidates are advised to arrive early, follow all examination regulations, and report anything suspicious, whether a person or activity, to security personnel on site.

The public is urged to refrain from sharing or acting on unverified social media posts regarding the exams and to rely solely on official updates from JAMB and the Nigeria Police Force.

In the time leading up to important national exams, it is crucial to watch out for false information. This period brings high stress for both students and parents, making it easy for misinformation to spread quickly.

The police said they remain in close coordination with sister security agencies to ensure a smooth and secure environment for all candidates on exam day.