Executive Order No. 001 of 2026, signed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, governs the registration, coordination, and activities of associations, vigilante groups, and other organizations engaged in security-related activities throughout the state.
According to Makinde, the order was required to improve security cooperation, stop abuse by uncontrolled groups, and prevent ethnic conflict, particularly in light of the nation’s growing levels of insecurity.
At a news conference at his private Kolapo Ishola home in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, the governor signed the executive order.
Senior government officials and top security personnel attended the briefing.
Speaking during the briefing, Makinde warned locals against attacking innocent people in the name of combating crime and against racial profiling.
The governor declared that any activity that could incite ethnic conflict or make law-abiding citizens targets due to their background would not be tolerated by his government.
Makinde said, “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.”
He stated that although the state government is still committed to getting rid of criminals from Oyo State, citizens should report criminal activity to the proper authorities rather than engaging in actions that could jeopardize peace.
“Yes, we do not want criminals in Oyo State, therefore please report any criminal activity you witness. “We’ll take action,” the governor declared.
Makinde went on to say that the state would not permit anyone or organizations to conceal themselves under the guise of security operations in order to incite ethnic conflict or division.
He stated, “We do not want people to form associations or groups in the name of security and then start ethnic profiling and ethnic confrontation on that basis.”
“Let us know whether you have any legal justifications for establishing or carrying out security-related work. The government is available to provide the required assistance.
Governor Connects Order To Security Issues
According to Makinde, the rule was a component of his administration’s pledge to safeguard people’s lives and property throughout Oyo State.
He pointed out that it was the government’s responsibility to make sure that all security-related operations were appropriately planned and executed in accordance with the law.
He claims that the executive order’s goal is to prevent organizations who claim to be in favor of neighborhood security from endangering the very communities they purport to defend.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to upholding resident tranquility and bolstering the state’s security framework.
Makinde also talked about the recent kidnapping of teachers and kids from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele High School in the state’s Oriire Local Government Area.
He reassured the locals that security personnel were working nonstop to ensure the victims’ safe release.
As efforts to free the kidnapped teachers and pupils continued, the governor congratulated the locals for maintaining composure and working with security services.
“Let me also take this opportunity to discuss the horrific events concerning the kidnapping of teachers and pupils in the Oriire Local Government Area once more.
“We recognize the stress and emotional strain this has put on families, communities, and Oyo State residents,” Makinde stated.
In order to guarantee the victims’ safe return, he continued, the government was collaborating closely with security services and other pertinent parties.
We’re Fighting Security Issues, Aikomo
Abiodun Aikomo, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, stated earlier that the executive order was intended to guarantee accountability and appropriate oversight of organizations providing security services in the state.
According to Aikomo, Nigeria’s security issues have forced the government to control community-based security activities in order to prevent unforeseen repercussions.
“Everyone is aware of the current security situation in Nigeria, and the importance of security in any community or society cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
Therefore, we are currently facing difficulties with Nigeria’s security. The 1999 Constitution states that security and the well-being of the populace are the main goals of government.
Although individuals have a part to play in helping the government secure their neighborhoods, the attorney general pointed out that this support must be provided within a legitimate and well-coordinated framework.
Because society is interconnected and linked, state citizens are likewise obligated to ensure its security. He said, “The people are stakeholders and the government leads them.”
According to Aikomo, the government has noticed a rise in the number of organizations forming under the pretense of offering self-defense and local security services.
He cautioned that some of the groups could exacerbate rather than improve the security situation if they are not controlled.
“We have seen an upsurge of groups coming up with objectives of regulating security across the state in the name of security and trying to self-defense and help ourselves and help the state,” Aikomo stated.
“When a social issue arises without a controlled system or action plan, it can sometimes lead to more issues than we are attempting to resolve.”
Current Groups Allotted 72 Hours
The commissioner said that any organizations with more than five members that engage in security-related operations are required by the new order to formally notify the Office of the Governor via the Special Adviser on Security.
According to him, these groups will be recognized and monitored by documentation and certificates.
“No matter where you are in Oyo State, you have an obligation to contact the Office of the Governor if you wish to help the government manage security issues and your group consists of more than five individuals.
He stated, “Those who are already in operation and providing such services have 72 hours to notify the Office of the Governor, and they will also be documented and issued a certificate.”
According to Aikomo, the directive will assist the government in identifying individuals operating around the state under the pretense of security employment.
He claims that anyone in Oyo State who is carrying a firearm, wearing a uniform, or carrying out security-related duties needs to be identified by the state government.
In order to ensure that moving ahead, the state is aware of anyone wearing a uniform or carrying a firearm for self-defense throughout the entirety of Oyo State.
He continued, “We do not want to open our flanks to others who may seize the moment to start committing crimes.”
Aikomo cautioned that disobeying the executive order will have legal repercussions.
It is illegal to disobey this executive order. It has legal ramifications, and anyone who violate it will face appropriate prosecution,” the commissioner stated.
He further stated that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Oyo State Police Command, and the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security had been instructed to ensure adherence to the directive.
Residents were reassured by the commissioner that the government was addressing the current security situation with stakeholders and security authorities around-the-clock.
He declared, “I want to reassure 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.”
