The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed circulating rumours of threats to candidates’ safety at examination centres ahead of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The police said it had deployed rapid response teams and enhanced security measures nationwide to ensure a safe environment for candidates participating in the examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, described reports of threats in some centres in a North Central state as unfounded.
“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to categorically state that these claims are without basis,” he said.
Placid noted that although the police do not act on rumours, concerns raised by members of the public regarding the safety of candidates had been taken seriously.
He disclosed that proactive security measures had been put in place ahead of the examination scheduled to commence on April 16, 2026.
According to him, extra security personnel have been deployed at examination centres nationwide, both visibly and covertly, to prevent any untoward incidents.
“This includes routine patrols, perimeter checks and rapid response teams stationed at strategic locations,” he said.
The police spokesperson added that the force was collaborating closely with other security agencies to monitor developments and respond promptly to potential threats.
He warned that any individual or group attempting to disrupt the examination process would be swiftly identified and brought to justice.
Placid reassured candidates, parents and guardians of adequate protection throughout the examination period and urged candidates to comply strictly with examination guidelines.
He also cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information on social media, advising them to rely only on official updates from the police and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
The 2026 UTME is scheduled to hold nationwide from April 16 to April 25, 2026.
