UTME 2026: Police dismiss rumours of threats to JAMB centres

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed rapid response teams across examination centres nationwide ahead of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), dismissing circulating rumours of threats to candidates’ safety as unfounded.

In a statement on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer Anthony Placid said the police were aware of recent rumours concerning candidate safety in a North Central state but emphasized that the claims had no basis.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to categorically state that these claims are without basis. 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,” he said.

Placid added that the police had taken proactive measures to ensure a secure environment for candidates, deploying extra security at centres nationwide, both overtly and covertly. This includes routine patrols, perimeter checks, and rapid response teams stationed at strategic locations. He also stated that the NPF is collaborating closely with sister security agencies to monitor and address potential threats, warning that anyone attempting to disrupt the examinations would be swiftly identified and brought to justice.

Candidates, parents, and the general public were reassured of adequate protection throughout the examination period, with Placid urging candidates to comply with examination regulations and report any suspicious activities to on-site security personnel. He further cautioned the public against spreading unverified information on social media, advising reliance only on official updates from the police and JAMB.

The 2026 UTME is scheduled to hold from Thursday, April 16, to Saturday, April 25, 2026, and the NPF affirmed its commitment to maintaining peace, security, and public confidence during the examinations.