Thursday, May 21, 2026 - Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, signed into law the Executive Order 001 of 2026 on the Regulation of Associations, Groups and Organisations offering Security and Allied Services in the state.
He said the move was necessary to ensure that all groups and
associations involved in security-related activities, such as vigilante and
other community-based security groups, operate within a clear legal and
operational framework that supports peace, order and rule of law in the state.
At the signing ceremony on Wednesday in Ibadan, the state
capital, Makinde stressed that the executive order became necessary in view of
the growing security challenges confronting communities and the increasing
number of groups engaging in security-related activities without proper
coordination.
While noting that security remains a collective
responsibility of both the government and citizens, he explained that the order
was designed to ensure that all organisations involved in security and allied
services are properly registered, documented and monitored by the state
government.
The governor equally stressed 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.
Makinde also used the occasion to address the recent
abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the
state, assuring residents that the government, in collaboration with security
agencies and relevant stakeholders, are working to ensure the safe return of
the victims.
He also lauded the security agencies and residents for their
patience and restraint during the difficult period, reaffirming his
administration’s commitment to strengthening security coordination across the
state.
The governor urged citizens to report suspicious activities
to security agencies rather than resorting to self-help or unlawful reprisals.
Earlier, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for
Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, explained that all associations, groups and
organisations offering security-related services with a membership strength
above five persons must notify and register with the government through the
Office of the Special Adviser on Security.
He added that existing groups must notify the office within
72 hours of signing the Executive Order and comply with the directive for
documentation and certification.
Aikomo further stated that the regulation would enable the
government to identify and monitor individuals or groups carrying weapons or
operating in security uniforms across the state.
He warned that failure to comply with the executive order
constitutes a violation of the law and would attract punishment accordingly.
He added that 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.
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