Makinde cracks down on unregistered vigilante groups in Oyo

Governor Seyi Makinde has signed a new executive order aimed at regulating vigilante outfits and other organisations involved in security operations across Oyo State.

The directive, known as Executive Order 001 of 2026, was signed on Wednesday in Ibadan amid growing concerns over insecurity and the activities of uncoordinated community security groups operating within the state.

Makinde said the measure was introduced to create a structured system for monitoring and supervising associations engaged in security and allied services. According to him, the order will ensure that such groups function within recognised legal boundaries and support public safety efforts.

He stated that all organisations involved in security activities must now be properly registered, documented and monitored by the state government.

The governor also cautioned groups and individuals against actions capable of fuelling ethnic tension or division. He warned that the government would not tolerate ethnic profiling, discrimination or any unlawful conduct carried out under the guise of community security operations.

Speaking on the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, Makinde assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the victims. He said the state government was working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to resolve the situation.

He further commended residents and security operatives for remaining calm during the period and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving security coordination across the state.

Makinde urged citizens to report suspicious movements and activities to the appropriate authorities instead of taking the law into their own hands.

Earlier, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, explained that every association or organisation offering security-related services with more than five members must register with the government through the Office of the Special Adviser on Security.

He added that existing groups have 72 hours from the signing of the order to comply with the registration and documentation requirements.

Aikomo said the new regulation would help the government track and monitor groups carrying weapons or operating in security uniforms across the state.

He warned that any organisation that fails to comply with the order would face sanctions under the law.

According to him, the Office of the Special Adviser on Security, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have been directed to enforce immediate compliance with the order.