Oyo vigilante regulation takes effect as Governor Seyi Makinde signs executive order to monitor security groups and curb insecurity
A fresh push to strengthen security coordination in Oyo State has seen Governor Seyi Makinde sign Executive Order 001 of 2026 regulating associations, groups and organisations offering security and allied services across the state.
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Makinde signed the order in Ibadan on Wednesday, saying the move was necessary to ensure that vigilante groups and other community-based security organisations operate within a clearly defined legal framework that supports peace, order and the rule of law.
The governor said the decision followed growing security challenges in communities and the increasing number of groups engaging in security-related activities without proper coordination or oversight.
According to Makinde, security remains a shared responsibility between government and citizens, but all groups involved in security operations must now be properly registered, documented and monitored by the state government.
He warned against actions capable of triggering ethnic tension, cautioning socio-cultural organisations against narratives that could encourage ethnic profiling, discrimination or confrontation.
Makinde stressed that the government would not tolerate criminality disguised as community security operations.
The governor also addressed the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the incident as deeply disturbing and assuring residents that the government was working closely with security agencies and stakeholders to secure the safe release of the victims.
Makinde commended security operatives and residents for showing restraint during the tense period while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving security coordination across the state.
He urged residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies rather than resort to self-help or unlawful reprisals.
Earlier, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, explained that all associations, groups and organisations providing security-related services with more than five members must notify and register with the government through the Office of the Special Adviser on Security.
Aikomo added that existing groups must comply with the directive within 72 hours of the signing of the executive order.
He said the regulation would help authorities identify and monitor individuals or groups carrying weapons or operating in security uniforms within the state.
The commissioner warned that failure to comply with the executive order would amount to a violation of the law and attract sanctions.
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He added that the Office of the Special Adviser on Security, the Commissioner of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had been directed to enforce immediate compliance with the new order.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
