Governor Seyi Makinde has signed Executive Order 001 of 2026 into law to regulate associations, groups and organisations providing security and allied services across Oyo State, declaring that the move is aimed at strengthening coordination, accountability and lawful operations among community-based security outfits.
The executive order, signed on Wednesday in Ibadan, is expected to establish a clear legal and operational framework for all groups involved in security-related activities in the state, including vigilante organisations and neighbourhood security associations. Speaking during the signing ceremony at the state capital, Makinde said the action became necessary in response to growing security challenges confronting many communities and the increasing activities of groups operating without proper regulation or government oversight.
According to the governor, security remains a collective responsibility that requires active collaboration between government institutions and citizens, but such participation must occur within a structured and lawful framework capable of protecting public order and preventing abuse. Makinde explained that the executive order would ensure that all organisations and associations involved in security and allied services are properly registered, documented and monitored by the state government.
He noted that while community participation in intelligence gathering and local security efforts remains important, the state cannot allow unregulated operations that may create confusion, conflict of authority or threats to public peace. The governor stated that the order would help standardise operations among local security groups and improve collaboration between them and recognised law enforcement agencies operating in the state.
He added that the framework would also make it easier for the government to identify credible security groups, monitor their activities and ensure compliance with established rules and procedures. According to Makinde, the government’s objective is not to suppress community-based security initiatives but to strengthen them through proper coordination, accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
He stressed that the rising complexity of security threats across communities requires a more organised and intelligence-driven approach involving all stakeholders, including local vigilante groups, traditional institutions and formal security agencies. The governor further stated that the executive order would help prevent infiltration of illegal elements into community security structures while ensuring that individuals and organisations operating in the sector meet acceptable standards.
Under the new framework, associations and organisations providing security-related services are expected to comply with registration requirements and operational guidelines to be recognised by the state government. Makinde said the initiative forms part of broader efforts by his administration to improve security architecture across the state and enhance public confidence in community policing initiatives. He maintained that effective security management depends not only on enforcement but also on transparency, coordination and mutual trust between authorities and local communities.
The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies with logistics, technology and policy reforms aimed at improving safety across urban and rural communities in the state. Observers believe the executive order may significantly reshape the operations of vigilante groups and other community security organisations by introducing stricter oversight and clearer operational boundaries. In recent years, many states across Nigeria have increasingly relied on community-based security structures to complement conventional security agencies amid rising concerns over banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other criminal activities.
However, concerns have also been raised in some quarters over the activities of certain unregulated groups accused of operating outside legal boundaries or engaging in abuses without accountability. Security analysts say the Oyo State initiative could serve as a model for other states seeking to formalise the role of local security outfits while ensuring they operate within constitutional and legal limits.
Stakeholders at the signing ceremony reportedly commended the move, describing it as a proactive effort to strengthen security governance and create a more coordinated approach to community safety.
The Makinde administration maintained that the executive order is ultimately designed to promote peace, order and lawful security operations across the state while fostering stronger cooperation between citizens and government institutions in addressing security challenges.
