Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has signed Executive Order 001 of 2026 regulating the activities of associations, groups and organisations offering security and allied services across the state.
The governor said this move is important to ensure that vigilante groups and other community based security outfits operate within a clear legal and operational framework that supports peace, order and the rule of law in Oyo State.
Speaking during the signing ceremony on Wednesday, Governor Makinde stressed that the increasing number of groups engaging in security related activities without proper coordination, alongside rising security challenges in communities, informed the decision of the government to introduce the executive order.
He added that security remains the collective responsibility of government and citizens, noting that all organisations involved in security and allied services must now be properly registered, documented and monitored by the state government.
Governor Makinde also cautioned socio cultural groups and residents against narratives capable of promoting ethnic profiling, discrimination or confrontation, warning that the government would not tolerate any form of criminality under the pretence of security operations.
He further addressed the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, assuring residents that the government, in collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders, is working tirelessly to secure the safe return of the victims.
Engineer Makinde commended security agencies and residents for their patience and restraint during the period, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening security coordination across the state. He also urged residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies instead of resorting to self help or unlawful reprisals.
Speaking on the Executive Order, Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, explained that all associations, groups and organisations offering security related services with membership above five persons must register with the government through the Office of the Special Adviser on Security.
He stated that, existing groups are expected to notify the office within 72 hours of the signing of the executive order and comply with the directive for documentation and certification.
Barrister Aikomo , also added that the regulation would enable the government to properly identify and monitor individuals or groups carrying weapons or operating in security uniforms across the state, warning that failure to comply with the executive order would amount to a violation of the law with sanctions accordingly, adding that relevant security agencies have been directed to ensure full compliance and enforcement of the order, with immediate effect .
