Security agencies have arrested no fewer than 20 individuals in Abuja for allegedly hacking into the 2025 Computer-Based Test (CBT) examinations conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The suspects are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force. According to security sources, the suspects are part of a larger syndicate believed to involve over 100 individuals who specialise in breaching the computer servers of major examination bodies, including JAMB and the National Examinations Council (NECO).
Findings revealed that the arrested suspects confessed to sabotaging the CBT system in a bid to undermine JAMB and discourage the adoption of computer-based exams by other bodies such as WAEC and NECO.
One of the suspects reportedly admitted that the group developed and installed malicious software designed to remotely hack JAMB servers at targeted CBT centres. The software allowed the syndicate to manipulate the system during live examinations.
Investigations also showed that the group used concealed routers near CBT centres to override JAMB’s network, enabling candidates who had paid for the service to receive answers during the exams.
“The operation of the software often distorted the examination system, resulting in inconsistencies between candidates’ answers and the actual questions — a key factor linked to the widespread failure recorded,” a security source disclosed.
The syndicate allegedly charged candidates between ₦700,000 and ₦2 million for guaranteed high scores. Many of the suspects reportedly own private schools and operate what are commonly referred to as “special centres,” which serve as channels for exam malpractice.
Sources also revealed that the DSS had been conducting covert investigations for some time before making the arrests, which were carried out across several states including Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Kano, and Delta. More arrests are expected as the operation continues.
Although the identities of the suspects have been withheld, authorities confirmed that charges would be filed soon. However, as of Friday evening, no evidence of complicity had been found against the seven JAMB officials who supervised activities at the affected centres.
Authorities believe the motivation behind the attack was to protect the syndicate’s illegal operations, which could be jeopardised if CBT becomes fully integrated into WAEC and NECO examinations.
