Makinde Signs Executive Order Regulating Security Groups in Oyo

***Directs Existing Groups to Obtain Govt Certification Within 72 hours

…As he cautions against unregulated security outfits and ethnic confrontation

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has signed Executive Order 001 of 2026 aimed at regulating, registering, and coordinating associations, groups, and organisations offering security and allied services across the state.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Makinde said the order was part of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility between government and citizens.

According to the governor, the increasing sophistication of insecurity in the country has made proper coordination, accountability, and regulation of security-related groups necessary.

“The executive order is 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,” he said.

Makinde also addressed the recent abduction of students and teachers in the Oryure-Lokakovi area, describing the incident as painful and assuring residents that the state government, in collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders, was working tirelessly to secure the safe release of the victims.

He thanked residents of the state for their patience and cooperation during the difficult period and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture.

The governor, however, warned against ethnic profiling and the formation of unregulated security groups capable of creating ethnic tension in the state.

“We do not want people forming groups or associations in the name of security and then using that as a basis for ethnic confrontation,” Makinde said, urging residents to report criminal activities to the appropriate authorities.

He added that individuals or groups interested in carrying out legitimate security-related activities must notify the government for proper approval and regulation.

Earlier, in his remarks, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, Abiodun Aikomo, said the executive order became necessary due to the growing number of vigilante and community security groups springing up across the state.

Aikomo explained that while citizens have a role to play in community security, the absence of regulation could lead to unintended consequences and worsen insecurity.

Under the new order, all groups or associations with more than five members involved in security-related services are required to notify the Office of the Governor through the Special Adviser on Security Matters.

He disclosed that existing groups have been given 72 hours to register with the government and obtain certification for identification and monitoring purposes.

According to the Attorney General, the regulation will help authorities identify legitimate security outfits and prevent criminal elements from exploiting unregulated groups to cause unrest.

He warned that failure to comply with the executive order constitutes a violation of the law and offenders would be prosecuted accordingly.

Aikomo added that the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor, the Commissioner of Police, and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the state would oversee enforcement and compliance with the directive.

Dignitaries at the Signing are; The deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal, The Chief of Staff, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, The Special Adviser to Governor on General Duty, Bayo Lawal, The State Attorney General, Barr. Abiodun Aikomo,
Executive Assistant to Governor on Security, Compol Sunday Odukoya, The Special Adviser to Governor on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, Commissioner of Police Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbenga, and other security agencies