Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has signed into law a major executive order establishing strict Oyo State security regulation across the state.
The order targets the operational bounds of private watchmen and vigilante groups Nigeria utilises at community levels, forcing all independent operators to align with state command.
Titled Executive Order 001 of 2026, the legislation created a rigid legal framework to ensure local forces support peace, public order, and the rule of law.
At the signing ceremony on Wednesday, Governor Makinde stressed that the new directive became necessary because of growing security challenges within local communities.
He noted a worrying rise in the number of independent bodies engaging in security operations without central coordination. While security remains a collective duty for both government and citizens, the Seyi Makinde executive order ensures that all organisations offering allied services are registered and monitored.
Oyo State Security Regulation: Clamping Down on Ethnic Tension
Beyond structural logistics, the governor explicitly warned socio-cultural associations against driving divisions. He stated that the people must avoid any action that could lead to ethnic tension, while cautioning socio-cultural groups to desist from narratives that could result in ethnic profiling, discrimination or confrontation as the state government would not tolerate any form of criminality under the guise of security operations.
The move comes at a critical time for regional safety. Makinde used the platform to address the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
Governor Makinde assured residents that the government, in collaboration with security agencies and relevant stakeholders, are working tirelessly to secure the safe return of the victims.
Appealing for calm, the governor praised formal security forces and civil communities for their patience. He urged citizens to report suspicious activities to security agencies rather than resorting to self-help or unlawful reprisals.
Directives for Vigilante Groups Nigeria Must Follow
Providing the legal brief, the Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Abiodun Aikomo, clarified the tight deadlines built into the law. Under the new rules, any group offering protection services with more than five members must notify the state. Registration goes directly through the Office of the Special Adviser on Security.
Aikomo dropped a strict timeline for existing outfits, stating that existing groups must notify the office within 72 hours of signing the Executive Order and comply with the directive for documentation and certification.
Enforcing the New Oyo Security Law Enforcement Model
This sweeping oversight allows state authorities to track individuals who carry weapons or wear field uniforms in public spaces. The Attorney-General warned that failure to comply with the executive order constitutes a violation of the law and would attract punishment accordingly.
To ensure immediate compliance, top commanders have received direct mobilization orders. The Office of the Special Adviser on Security, the Commissioner of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have been directed to enforce full compliance with the order which became effective immediately after it was signed by the governor.
The high-profile signing drew the state’s entire top-tier defense cabinet. Officials in attendance included Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal, Chief of Staff Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, and the Executive Assistant on Security Matters, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd). They stood alongside Oyo State Commissioner of Police Abimbola Olugbenga and Special Adviser on Homeland Security ACG Segun Adegoke (rtd) to signal a unified front for Oyo security law enforcement.
