Makinde signs executive order to regulate vigilante, community security groups in Oyo

By Adeola Badru

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has signed Executive Order No. 001 of 2026 on the Regulation, Registration and Coordination of Associations, Groups and Organisations Offering Security and Allied Services in the state as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture and ensure greater oversight of vigilante and community-based security outfits.

While signing the executive order at his Kolapo Ishola residence in Ibadan on Wednesday, Governor Makinde said the directive became necessary in response to rising security concerns across communities and the growing number of groups engaging in security-related activities without adequate coordination or regulatory supervision.

“The executive order that I just signed is another step in our commitment to the protection of lives and properties across our state. Security is not the responsibility of government alone.“

“It is a collective duty, and we appreciate the many citizens, associations, and groups who continue to support lawful efforts to keep our communities safe,” Makinde said.

“However, at a time when insecurity has become more sophisticated, coordination, accountability, and proper regulation have become necessary.“

“This executive order is therefore designed to ensure that all groups involved in security-related activities operate within a clear legal and operational framework that supports peace, order, and the rule of law.”

The governor explained that the executive order is intended to ensure that all organisations providing security and allied services are properly registered, documented and monitored by the state government.

Makinde acknowledged the contributions of community associations and citizens supporting lawful security operations but cautioned that unregulated activities could produce unintended consequences capable of aggravating insecurity and social tension.

The governor also addressed the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the incident as distressing and traumatic for the affected families and communities.

“Let me also use this opportunity to once again talk about the painful incident involving the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. We understand the anxiety and emotional burden that this has placed on families, communities, and the people of our state.“

“I want to assure everyone that we are working around the clock with security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to do everything possible to ensure that the victims are brought home safely and alive,“ he said.

Makinde further commended residents for their patience and restraint during the period, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening security coordination across Oyo State.

Warning against ethnic profiling and unlawful vigilantism, the governor cautioned residents against forming groups under the guise of security operations in ways that could encourage ethnic hostility or discrimination.

“For emphasis, we must avoid at all costs anything that can lead to ethnic tension where people become targets simply because they are from a certain ethnic group.“

“Yes, we do not want criminals in our state. So if you see any criminal activities or anyone perpetrating such activities, please report to us and we will act.“

“But we do not want people forming groups and associations in the name of security and then, on that basis, starting ethnic profiling and ethnic confrontation,“ Makinde warned.

He urged citizens to report suspicious activities to the appropriate security agencies rather than resorting to self-help or unlawful reprisals.

Speaking on the implementation of the executive order, the Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, disclosed that all associations, groups and organisations providing security-related services with membership exceeding five persons must notify and register with the government through the Office of the Special Adviser on Security.

“The executive order is titled Executive Order on the Regulation of Associations, Groups and Organisations Offering Security and Allied Services in Oyo State.“

“His Excellency, by this executive order, is mandating every group or association of people offering security services in Oyo State, with a manpower strength of more than five, to notify the office of the governor through the Special Adviser on Security,“ Aikomo said.

He added that existing groups have been given 72 hours to comply with the directive for documentation and certification.

“Those who are already existing and offering such services have 72 hours to notify the office of the governor, and they will also be documented and issued certificates so that going forward, across the length and breadth of Oyo State, if anybody is wearing any uniform or carrying any form of weapon in the name of defending the people, the state knows about it,” he said.

Aikomo further stated that the regulation would enable the government to identify and monitor individuals and groups carrying weapons or operating in security uniforms across the state.

“We do not want to open our flanks to people who may seize the moment to start fomenting trouble, and that is the long and short of this executive order,” he added.

He warned that failure to comply with the executive order would constitute a breach of the law and attract prosecution.

“Failure to comply with this executive order is a violation of the law. It has implications, and violators will be prosecuted accordingly,” Aikomo said.

According to him, the Office of the Special Adviser on Security, the Commissioner of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have been mandated to ensure full enforcement of the order.

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