The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has signed Executive Order No. 001 of 2026 to regulate the registration, coordination and operations of vigilante groups, associations and other organisations involved in security-related activities across the state.
Makinde said the order became necessary to strengthen security coordination, prevent abuse by unregulated groups and avert ethnic confrontation, especially amid rising insecurity in parts of the country.
The governor signed the executive order during a press briefing held at his Kolapo Ishola private residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Top security officials and senior government functionaries were present at the briefing.
Speaking during the briefing, Makinde cautioned residents against ethnic profiling and the targeting of innocent people under the guise of fighting crime.
The governor said his administration would not tolerate any action capable of creating ethnic tension or turning law-abiding residents into targets because of their background.
“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.
He said while the state government remained determined to rid Oyo State of criminals, residents must report criminal activities to the appropriate authorities instead of taking actions that could threaten peace.
“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 said.
Makinde added that the state would not allow individuals or groups to hide under the cover of security work to promote division or ethnic confrontation.
“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 said.
“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 said the regulation formed part of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Oyo State.
He noted that the government had a duty to ensure that all security-related activities were properly coordinated and carried out within the law.
According to him, the executive order is aimed at ensuring that groups claiming to support community security do not become a threat to the same communities they claim to protect.
The governor reaffirmed that his administration would continue to strengthen the state’s security architecture and maintain peace among residents.
Makinde also addressed the recent abduction of students and teachers of Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele High School in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
He assured residents that security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the safe release of the victims.
The governor thanked residents for remaining calm and cooperating with security agencies as efforts continued to rescue the abducted teachers and students.
“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,” Makinde said.
He added that the government was working closely with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the victims were brought back safely.
Speaking earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, said the executive order was designed to ensure accountability and proper monitoring of groups offering security services in the state.
Aikomo said the security challenges facing Nigeria had made it necessary for the government to regulate community-based security operations to avoid 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.
