Police step up security for the 2026 UTME

The Nigeria Police Force has deployed a rapid response team across examination centres nationwide ahead of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB.

The move came as the police dismissed circulating rumours about threats to candidates’ safety. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer Anthony Placid said the police were aware of recent claims about the safety of some centres in a North Central state, but said those claims had no basis.

He stated that the Nigeria Police Force wished to state clearly that the claims were unfounded.

What the police said about the rumoured threats

Placid said the Force does not act on rumours, yet the concerns raised by members of the public had been noted because they touched on the safety, education, and future of candidates.

That response sets the tone for the notice; the police rejected the claims, but still moved to tighten security around the examination.

Security measures at JAMB centres nationwide

The police said proactive steps had already been taken to provide a secure setting for candidates writing the examination scheduled to begin on Thursday.

Patrols, checks and rapid response teams

According to the statement, extra security has been deployed at examination centres nationwide, both overtly and covertly, to prevent any untoward incident.

The measures listed by the police include:

• routine patrols
• perimeter checks
• rapid response teams at strategic locations

That part of the statement is Plain enough; the Force wants visible readiness around the exam process.

Police working with other security agencies

Placid also said the Nigeria Police Force is working closely with other security agencies to monitor and respond to possible threats.

He added that any person or group trying to disrupt the examination process would be identified quickly and brought to justice.

Message to candidates, parents and the public

The police reassured candidates, parents, and the general public that protection would be in place throughout the examination period.

Candidates were advised to arrive early at their centres, obey examination regulations, and report any suspicious activity or person to security personnel on ground.

Advice on false information

The police also warned the public against spreading unverified information on social media.

People were urged to rely on official updates from the police and JAMB.

What this means for UTME candidates

The message from the Force is direct. Security presence will be active across centres, and candidates are expected to keep calm, get to their venues early, and follow the rules.

For parents and guardians, the statement offers a clear Assurance; the police say measures are already in place across the country.

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