Oyo State Orders Registration of Community Security Groups

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has signed a new executive order to regulate all community-based security groups and vigilante outfits operating within the state. The governor enacted Executive Order No. 001 of 2026 on Wednesday in Ibadan, mandating that any association offering security services with more than five members must register with the state government.

The order is designed to establish a clear legal framework for informal security networks, which the governor stated have been operating without adequate coordination. Governor Makinde explained the directive is a response to rising security concerns and aims to ensure such groups support public safety efforts within recognized legal boundaries. He emphasized that security is a collective duty but warned that unregulated activities could aggravate insecurity and social tension.

A key provision requires all existing groups to notify the government through the Office of the Special Adviser on Security within 72 hours for documentation and certification. The state's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, said this will allow the government to identify and monitor individuals carrying weapons or...