THE governor of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has signed Executive Order No. 001 of 2026 aimed at regulating the registration, coordination, and activities of vigilance groups and other organisations involved in security operations across the state.
The governor said the decision was necessary to improve security coordination, curb abuse by unregulated groups, and prevent ethnic tensions amid growing insecurity in parts of the country.
Makinde signed the order during a press briefing held at his Kolapo Ishola residence in Ibadan, in the presence of senior security officials and government representatives.
While addressing residents, the governor appreciated citizens for remaining calm and cooperating with security agencies, especially as efforts continue to secure the release of abducted teachers and students from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele High School in Oriire Local Government Area.
He also cautioned against ethnic profiling and warned residents not to target innocent people under the pretext of fighting crime.
Makinde stressed that the state would not tolerate the emergence of illegal security groups that could fuel ethnic confrontation and division within communities.
According to him, anyone interested in carrying out lawful security-related activities must work with the government and follow proper procedures.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that the new regulation forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Oyo State’s security structure.
Speaking on the recent abduction in Oriire Local Government Area, Makinde acknowledged the pain and anxiety experienced by affected families and communities, assuring residents that security agencies were working tirelessly to rescue the victims safely.
Also speaking, the Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, explained that the executive order was introduced to ensure accountability and proper monitoring of groups involved in local security operations.
Aikomo said the worsening security situation in Nigeria made it necessary for governments to properly regulate community-based security activities to avoid creating additional problems.
He noted that while citizens have a responsibility to support security efforts in their communities, such actions must be carried out within a legal framework.
According to him, the government had observed an increase in the number of groups operating under the guise of local security and self-defence, warning that unregulated activities could worsen insecurity.
The attorney general disclosed that any security-related group with more than five members must now formally notify the Office of the Governor through the Special Adviser on Security.
He added that existing groups have been given 72 hours to comply with the directive, after which they will be documented and issued official certificates for recognition and monitoring.
Aikomo explained that the regulation would enable the government to identify individuals operating in the name of security across the state, especially those carrying uniforms or weapons.
He warned that anyone who fails to comply with the executive order would face legal consequences, adding that enforcement would be carried out by the Office of the Special Adviser on Security, the Oyo State Police Command, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The commissioner assured residents that the government and security agencies were working around the clock to ensure the abducted teachers and students are rescued safely.
