Security operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force have apprehended at least 20 individuals in Abuja for allegedly compromising the 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Computer-Based Test (CBT) servers.
The suspects are reportedly members of a larger network of more than 100 individuals who target the digital infrastructure of key Nigerian examination bodies, including JAMB and the National Examinations Council (NECO).
According to security sources, the detained individuals confessed to intentionally disrupting the CBT systems.
The aim, they said, was to “discredit JAMB and discourage the future use of computer-based examinations for WAEC and NECO.”
One source revealed that the hacking was conducted using custom-designed malicious software.
“The suspects admitted that the syndicate used specially designed attacking software to remotely infiltrate and manipulate JAMB servers at targeted CBT centres.”
The technique allegedly involved placing special routers near the CBT locations. “The strategy of these hackers involved mounting routers near targeted CBT centres.
These routers allowed remote access to JAMB systems, enabling ‘special candidates’ who had paid hefty sums to receive answers during the exam,” the source disclosed.
These attacks reportedly caused exam anomalies.
“The ghost software distorted exam data, resulting in discrepancies between the questions answered by candidates and the actual questions displayed on screen, a development blamed for the widespread failure recorded in the 2025 exams.”
Payments for these illegal services ranged widely.
“Candidates who benefitted from the illegal scheme reportedly paid between ₦700,000 and ₦2 million for high scores.
“Investigations have also revealed that several members of the syndicate are proprietors of private schools and tutorial centres, who use the proceeds to fund their so-called ‘special centres,’” the source added.
The suspects were picked up in a series of coordinated raids in states including Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Kano, and Delta.
Their names are being withheld pending formal charges and arraignment in court.
Regarding internal staff, another source clarified the role of JAMB officials at the affected centres.
“No case of complicity had been established against the seven JAMB staff who supervised the Service Providers at the two locations,” the source stated.
