JAMB 2026: Police Dismiss Threat Rumours, Deploy Nationwide Security for UTME Centres

The Nigeria Police Force has ramped up security preparations ahead of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), dismissing circulating reports of threats to candidates as false while deploying personnel and rapid response teams across the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Force spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the police were aware of “recent unfounded rumours” concerning the safety of examination centres, particularly in parts of the North-Central region. He stressed that the claims lack credibility and should be disregarded by the public.

According to the police, there is no verified intelligence pointing to planned attacks on UTME centres. However, the Force noted that concerns raised by Nigerians—especially regarding the safety of candidates—have been taken seriously, prompting proactive measures to ensure a secure environment nationwide.

To guarantee security at UTME centres, the police confirmed the deployment of both overt and covert personnel, including rapid response teams, patrol units, and surveillance operatives positioned strategically across examination venues. These efforts are aimed at preventing disruptions and ensuring a smooth conduct of the examination.

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The UTME, organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, is scheduled to commence on April 16, 2026. As one of the most critical examinations in Nigeria, the JAMB 2026 UTME will see hundreds of thousands of candidates sit for entry into tertiary institutions nationwide.

The police further disclosed ongoing collaboration with other security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and response coordination. Authorities warned that any individual or group attempting to disrupt the examination process would be identified and dealt with decisively.

Candidates and parents were reassured of adequate security during JAMB exams, with advice for candidates to arrive early at their centres, comply with all examination regulations, and promptly report any suspicious activity to security personnel.

The Force also cautioned against spreading misinformation, emphasizing that fake security alerts could create panic and undermine public confidence. Nigerians were urged to rely solely on verified updates from the police and JAMB.

Reaffirming its commitment, the Nigeria Police stated that safeguarding lives, property, and national activities remains a top priority, assuring the public of a peaceful and orderly examination process across the country.

JAMB 2026: Police Dismiss Threat Rumours, Deploy Nationwide Security for UTME Centres

Akpabio: Insecurity in Nigeria Will End Two Weeks After Elections

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has attributed Nigeria’s rising insecurity to political activities ahead of upcoming elections, expressing confidence that the situation will subside shortly after the polls. Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the commissioning of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) Corporate Headquarters, Akpabio said the surge in violence is being driven by individuals allegedly sponsoring unrest due to desperation linked to the electoral process.

According to him, Nigeria insecurity, election violence, and political unrest are interconnected, stressing that the trend will reverse once elections are concluded. He stated that within two weeks after the elections, insecurity across the country would significantly reduce, insisting that those behind the acts are politically motivated. His comments come amid growing concerns over banditry in Nigeria, terrorism, and kidnappings, which continue to affect several regions.

Akpabio also strongly defended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the government is making progress despite criticism. He argued that opponents of the administration, unable to counter its performance, are resorting to sponsoring instability. The Senate President urged Nigerians to remain patient, noting that ongoing reforms under the current government would yield positive results.

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Taking a swipe at the opposition, Akpabio suggested that it is fragmented and lacks direction. In an apparent reference to Peter Obi, he criticised what he described as political inconsistency, claiming that opposition figures are abandoning their platforms while blaming the ruling party for the country’s challenges.

The Senate President also used the occasion to commend the Executive Chairman of the NRS, Zacch Adedeji, describing him as a tax administrator widely accepted by Nigerians. He noted that unlike traditional perceptions of tax officials, Adedeji has earned public trust and is driving reforms in the country’s revenue system.

The high-profile event was attended by top government officials, including Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Several governors were also present, including Babagana Zulum, Charles Soludo, Caleb Mutfwang, Hope Uzodimma, and Usman Ododo.

The newly commissioned Nigerian Revenue Service headquarters is described as a world-class facility designed to enhance tax administration in Nigeria and boost revenue generation. The complex features three towers spanning 16 floors, with capacity to accommodate about 3,000 personnel. The development follows the signing of the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act in June 2025 by President Tinubu, transforming the former FIRS into the NRS as part of broader economic reforms in Nigeria.

Akpabio’s remarks have sparked debate among analysts and stakeholders, with many questioning the claim that insecurity is largely politically sponsored. While the Senate President maintains that the end of elections will bring relief, experts argue that addressing Nigeria security challenges requires deeper structural reforms beyond the political cycle.

Akpabio: Insecurity in Nigeria Will End Two Weeks After Elections

Group Accuses Ogun Govt of Plot to Transfer Public Schools to Political Allies

A civic group, Rights and Freedom Advocates (RIFA), has accused the Ogun State Government of planning to unlawfully transfer ownership of public schools to private individuals and political associates, describing the alleged move as “unconstitutional” and “a form of stealing by proxy.”

The allegation was contained in a press statement issued by the group’s president, Luqman Soliu, on April 13, 2026, in response to reports that the state government had decided to “return” some public schools to former owners or affiliated organisations.

RIFA, however, dismissed the claim of “returning” schools, insisting that the policy under consideration amounts to the “donation of public schools to cronies of government officials.”

According to the group, such a move would amount to abuse of public trust and a violation of constitutional provisions guiding the management of state assets.

“What Ogun State government plans to do is not return of public schools but donation or stealing by proxy of public schools,” the statement said, adding that the alleged plan is “dubious and fraudulent.”

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The organisation argued that the schools in question have undergone significant public investment over the years and should remain fully under government ownership, warning that any attempt to transfer them outside public control would amount to mismanagement of state resources.

RIFA further contended that some of the schools had previously been acquired by the government from private owners who were compensated at the time of takeover, stressing that reopening ownership claims could set a “dangerous precedent.”

The group also criticised the justification for the alleged plan, suggesting it could be linked to political patronage. It alleged that government officials may be attempting to reward political allies with public assets instead of investing in new educational infrastructure.

It warned that such actions, if carried out, could undermine access to affordable education, particularly for students from low-income families who depend on public schools.

RIFA further referenced past transitions in the state’s education sector, recalling previous administrations that undertook reforms in public schools, and argued that the focus should be on improving infrastructure rather than altering ownership structures.

The group urged the state government to abandon any plan that could be interpreted as privatising or reallocating public educational assets without broad stakeholder consultation.

It also called on civil society organisations, education stakeholders, and the public to closely monitor developments to ensure accountability in the management of public property.

The Ogun State Government has not yet issued an official response to the allegations at the time of filing this report.

Group Accuses Ogun Govt of Plot to Transfer Public Schools to Political Allies