The Nigeria Police Force has activated nationwide security measures across examination centres ahead of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, while firmly rejecting circulating rumours about threats to candidates' safety at certain centres in a North Central state.

Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Okon Placid, in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 14, described the safety claims as unfounded. "The Nigeria Police Force wishes to state that these claims are without basis categorically. 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," the statement noted.

Placid confirmed that both overt and covert security measures had been activated. "To this end, extra security has been deployed at examination centres nationwide, both overtly and covertly, to prevent any untoward incidents. This includes routine patrols, perimeter checks, and rapid response teams stationed at strategic locations," he stated.

The police warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the examination process would face consequences. "Any individual or group attempting to disrupt the examination process will be swiftly identified and brought to justice," Placid affirmed. He also urged candidates to arrive early, follow examination regulations, and report any suspicious activity to onsite security personnel.

The Force advised the public to disregard unverified social media reports and rely only on official communications from JAMB and the Nigeria Police Force.

At the state level, the Anambra State Police Command announced the deployment of 60 Safe School Operatives to designated examination centres across the state for the duration of the UTME, which runs from April 15 to April 26, 2026. State Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga disclosed that the deployment would be coordinated from operational bases across the eight Police Area Commands in the state, under the supervision of the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Harrison Oruruo. Ikenga noted that the initiative falls under the Safe School Initiative, designed to protect candidates, invigilators, and examination officials while preventing malpractice and security breaches.