The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has signed Executive Order No. 001 of 2026 regulating the registration, coordination, and operations of vigilance groups, associations, and organisations involved in security-related activities across the state.
The governor said the move became necessary to strengthen security coordination, prevent abuse by unregulated groups, and avoid ethnic confrontation 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, where top security officials and government functionaries were present.
The governor thanked residents for remaining calm and cooperating with security agencies as the state continues to navigate the current security threat and efforts to rescue the abducted teachers and students of Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele High School in Oriire Local Government.
The governor also warned against ethnic profiling and the targeting of innocent residents under the guise of fighting 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 a target,” Makinde warned.
Speaking further, he said, “Yes, we do not want criminals in Oyo State, so if you see any criminal activities, anyone perpetrating such activities, please report to us. We will act.”
