Makinde Signs Executive Order Regulating Vigilante Groups, Warns Against Ethnic Profiling
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — GOVERNOR Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has signed Executive Order No. 001 of 2026 to regulate the registration, coordination and operations of vigilante groups, associations and organisations involved in security-related activities across the state.
The governor said the directive became necessary to strengthen security coordination, prevent abuses by unregulated groups and forestall ethnic tension amid rising insecurity in parts of the country.
Makinde signed the executive order during a press briefing held at his Kolapo Ishola private residence in Ibadan, in the presence of top security officials and senior government functionaries.
The governor commended residents for remaining calm and cooperating with security agencies as the state continues efforts to tackle current security threats and secure the release of abducted teachers and students of Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele High School in Oriire Local Government Area.
He, however, warned against ethnic profiling and the targeting of innocent residents under the guise of combating crime.
“For emphasis, we must avoid at all costs anything that can lead to ethnic tension where people who do not know how issues come about, or because they are from a certain ethnic group, become targets,” Makinde said.
“Yes, we do not want criminals in Oyo State, so if you see any criminal activities or anyone perpetrating such acts, please report to us. We will act.”
The governor stressed that the state government would not tolerate the formation of illegal security groups engaging in ethnic confrontation capable of deepening divisions among residents.
“We do not want people forming groups or associations in the name of security and then, on that basis, begin ethnic profiling and ethnic confrontation,” he added.
“If you have any legal reason to set up or engage in security-related work, let the government know. We are here to provide the necessary support.”
Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture and ensuring peace and safety across Oyo State.
Addressing the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, the governor assured residents that the government was intensifying efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.
“We understand the anxiety and emotional burden this incident has placed on families, communities and the people of Oyo State,” he stated.
“I want to assure everyone that we are working round the clock with security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the victims are brought home safely and alive.”
Earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, explained that the executive order was aimed at ensuring accountability and proper monitoring of groups offering security services within the state.
According to him, Nigeria’s growing security challenges have made it necessary for governments to regulate community-based security operations to avoid unintended consequences.
“The importance of security in any society cannot be overemphasised and the current security situation in Nigeria is known to everyone,” Aikomo said.
“Under the 1999 Constitution, the welfare and security of the people remain the primary purpose of government.”
He noted that while citizens have the right to support government efforts in securing their communities, such actions must operate within a lawful framework.
Aikomo disclosed that the government had observed an increase in the number of groups springing up under the guise of providing local security and self-defence services.
He warned that without proper regulation, some of the groups could worsen insecurity.
“Sometimes, when there is a problem in society and there is no regulated system or programme of action, it may create more problems than we are trying to solve,” he said.
The attorney general explained that the executive order now makes it mandatory for all groups involved in security activities with more than five members to formally notify the Office of the Governor through the Special Adviser on Security.
According to him, such groups would thereafter be documented and issued certificates for recognition and monitoring purposes.
“No matter where you are across Oyo State, if you want to assist the government in handling security challenges and you have a group of more than five persons, you are under a duty to notify the Office of the Governor,” Aikomo said.
“Those already existing and offering such services have 72 hours to notify the government after which they will be documented and issued certificates.”
He added that the regulation would enable the government to identify individuals operating under the guise of security work across the state.
“We do not want to open our flanks to individuals who may seize the opportunity to commit crimes,” he warned.
Aikomo further stated that failure to comply with the executive order would attract legal consequences.
“Failure to comply with this executive order is a violation of the law and violators will be prosecuted accordingly,” he said.
He disclosed that the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, the Oyo State Police Command and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had been mandated to enforce compliance.
Present at the signing ceremony were the Deputy Governor, Barrister Adebayo Lawal; Special Adviser on Security, Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro; Executive Assistant on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtrd.); Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga; the Oyo State Commandant of the NSCDC; and other top government officials.