Seyi Makinde has signed Executive Order No. 001 of 2026 aimed at regulating the registration, coordination and operations of vigilante groups, associations and organisations involved in security activities across Oyo State.
The governor said the directive became necessary to strengthen security coordination, prevent abuse by unregulated groups and avoid ethnic tensions amid growing insecurity in parts of the country.
Makinde signed the executive order during a press briefing held at his Kolapo Ishola private residence in Ibadan, in the presence of senior security officials and government functionaries.
The governor also appreciated residents for remaining calm and cooperating with security agencies as efforts continue to rescue abducted teachers and students of Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele High School in Oriire Local Government Area.
He warned against ethnic profiling and attacks on innocent residents under the guise of fighting crime.
“For emphasis, we must avoid at all costs anything that can lead to ethnic tension where people who do not know how issues come about, or because they are from a certain ethnic group, become a target,” Makinde warned.
Speaking further, he said, “Yes, we do not want criminals in Oyo State, so if you see any criminal activities, anyone perpetrating such activities, please report to us. We will act.”
The governor stressed that his administration would not tolerate illegal security groups engaging in ethnic confrontation or actions capable of creating division among residents.
“We do not want people forming groups, associations, in the name of security, and then on that basis they start ethnic profiling and ethnic confrontation,” he added.
“If you have any legal reasons to set up or engage in a security type of work, let us know. The government is here to give the necessary support.”
Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture and ensuring peace across Oyo State, noting that the regulation was part of efforts to safeguard lives and property.
The governor also addressed the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, assuring residents that the government was intensifying efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.
“Let me also use this opportunity to once again talk about the painful incidents involving the abduction of students and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area.
“We understand the anxiety and emotional burden that this has placed on families, communities, and the people of Oyo State,” he said.
Makinde assured residents that security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the release of the abducted teachers and students.
Earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, explained that the executive order was introduced to ensure accountability and proper monitoring of groups offering security services within the state.
Aikomo said the security challenges facing Nigeria made it necessary for governments to regulate community-based security operations to prevent unintended consequences.
“The importance of security in any community or society cannot be overemphasised, and the current situation in Nigeria with respect to security is known to everybody,” he said.
“So, we are currently battling challenges relating to security in Nigeria. Under the 1999 Constitution, the welfare of the people and security are the primary purposes of governance.”
He noted that while citizens have the right to support government efforts in protecting their communities, such activities must operate within a lawful structure.
“Citizens of the state are also under obligation to see to the security of society because society is connected and interwoven. The government provides leadership for the people, and the people are also stakeholders,” he stated.
According to him, the government had observed an increase in the number of groups emerging under the guise of providing local security and self-defence services.
He warned that without proper regulation, such groups could worsen insecurity.
“In the name of security and trying to self-defence and help ourselves and help the state, we have witnessed an upsurge of groups coming up with objectives of regulating security across the state,” Aikomo said.
“Sometimes, when there is a problem in society, and there is no regulated system or programme of action, it may create more problems than we are trying to solve.”
The attorney general disclosed that the executive order now makes it compulsory for all security-related groups with more than five members to notify the Office of the Governor through the Special Adviser on Security.
He added that the groups would be documented and issued certificates for recognition and monitoring.
“No matter where you are across the length and breadth of Oyo State, if you want to assist the government to handle security challenges and you have a group of more than five people, you are under a duty to notify the Office of the Governor.
“Those who are already existing and offering such services have 72 hours to notify the Office of the Governor, and they also will be documented and issued a certificate,” he said.
Aikomo explained that the regulation would help authorities identify individuals operating under the guise of security work across the state.
“So that going forward, across the length and breadth of Oyo State, we know if anybody is wearing any uniform or carrying any form of weapon in defence of ourselves, the state knows about it.
“We do not want to open our flanks to others who may seize the moment to start committing crimes.”
He warned that violators of the executive order would face prosecution.
“Failure to comply with this executive order is a violation of the law. It has implications in the law, and violators will be prosecuted accordingly,” the commissioner said.
Aikomo also revealed that the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, the Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had been directed to enforce compliance.
“I want to assure everyone that we are working around the clock with our security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to do everything possible to ensure that the victims are brought home safely and alive,” he concluded.
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