Over 20 Suspects Arrested for Hacking JAMB 2025 CBT Exam in Abuja: What they did!

 

Security operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) have arrested no fewer than 20 individuals in connection with the recent hacking of the 2025 Computer-Based Test (CBT) examinations conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The suspects, currently in custody in Abuja, are reportedly members of a sophisticated cybercrime syndicate believed to have over 100 operatives nationwide. According to security sources, the group specializes in infiltrating the computer servers of major examination bodies in Nigeria, including JAMB and the National Examinations Council (NECO), with the aim of manipulating exam results, stealing data, and compromising the integrity of national assessments.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the syndicate used advanced hacking tools and insider collaboration to breach security protocols during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The CBT mode of the UTME, introduced to ensure transparency and minimize malpractice, has been a prime target for fraudsters in recent years.

A senior official at the DSS, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the arrests followed weeks of coordinated intelligence gathering and surveillance. He stated:

“This is a major breakthrough. These individuals are part of a larger, well-funded criminal network that has been attempting to sabotage Nigeria’s examination systems. Investigations are still ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate and identify internal collaborators within the education sector.”

The suspects are expected to face charges related to cybercrime, examination malpractice, conspiracy, and violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015.

In a statement issued by JAMB’s Head of Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the examination body commended the swift action of security agencies and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the sanctity of its examinations. He noted that JAMB is continuously upgrading its systems to prevent future breaches.

“We will not tolerate any attempt to compromise the integrity of our examinations. The board is working closely with security agencies and cybersecurity experts to further strengthen our systems,” Dr. Benjamin stated.

The development has reignited public concern over the growing sophistication of examination fraud in Nigeria and the urgent need for stronger digital security frameworks within the education sector.