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The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has signed Executive Order No. 001 of 2026 to regulate the registration, coordination and activities of vigilante groups and other community-based security organisations operating across the state.
Makinde signed the order during a press briefing at his Kolapo Ishola residence in Ibadan on Wednesday, in the presence of security chiefs and government officials.
The governor said the measure was introduced to strengthen security coordination, curb abuses by unregulated groups, and prevent ethnic tensions as insecurity in parts of the country heightens.
He commended residents for cooperating with security agencies in ongoing efforts to rescue abducted teachers and students from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle High School in Oriire Local Government Area.
The governor cautioned against ethnic profiling and warned residents not to target innocent individuals under the guise of combating crime.
He said the state would not tolerate the emergence of illegal security groups engaging in ethnic confrontation or activities capable of deepening division among residents.
Makinde urged residents to report criminal activities to the authorities rather than take the law into their hands, adding that the government remained committed to supporting lawful security initiatives.
“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.
“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.”
He also assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe release of the abducted teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area.
“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.
Earlier, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, said the executive order was designed to ensure accountability and proper monitoring of groups involved in security-related operations.
According to him, the worsening security situation in the country has led to the rise of several informal security groups, making regulation necessary to prevent abuse and disorder.
He explained that under the new directive, any group with more than five members involved in security or self-defence activities must formally notify the Office of the Governor through the Special Adviser on Security.
Aikomo added that existing groups have been given 72 hours to register and would subsequently 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 added that the regulation would help the government identify anyone 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 said.
The attorney general warned that failure to comply with the order would amount to a violation of the law and could attract 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.
He added that the Office of the Special Adviser on Security, the Oyo State Police Command and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had been directed to enforce compliance.
