Candidates sitting the 2026 UTME from Thursday, 16 April, will do so under police protection, after the Nigeria Police Force announced the nationwide deployment of rapid response teams, patrol units and covert security personnel to examination centres ahead of the ten day exercise.

Force Public Relations Officer Anthony Placid confirmed the deployment in a statement on Tuesday, also dismissing what he described as unfounded rumours about threats to candidate safety at centres in a North Central state. "The Nigeria Police Force wishes to categorically state that these claims are without basis," he said, while acknowledging that public concerns about student safety had been noted and taken seriously.

"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," the statement read. The police confirmed collaboration with other security agencies to monitor and respond to any emerging threats, adding that anyone attempting to disrupt the examination would be identified and prosecuted.

In Anambra State, the State Command separately announced the deployment of 60 Safe School Operatives to designated examination centres across the state for the period 15 to 26 April 2026. State Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the operatives would be coordinated from the eight Police Area Commands in Anambra, under the supervision of ACP Harrison Oruruo. The deployment forms part of the Command's Safe School Initiative, designed to protect candidates, invigilators and examination officials from disruption, malpractice and security breaches.

Placid urged candidates to arrive at their centres early, follow all examination guidelines and report any suspicious activity or individuals to on-site security personnel immediately. He also cautioned the public against spreading unverified information on social media and directed all stakeholders to rely on official updates from the police and JAMB.

The UTME runs from 16 to 25 April 2026 across CBT centres nationwide.