Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has signed Executive Order No. 002 of 2026 aimed at strengthening security, enforcing vehicle registration compliance, and improving traffic management across the state.
The governor also announced restrictions on the operations of commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as “Okada,” as part of broader efforts to curb insecurity and enhance public safety.
The move comes amid rising security concerns in parts of the state, including the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area more than 20 days ago.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in his office on Friday, Makinde said the order was designed to ensure strict enforcement of existing laws on vehicle registration and traffic regulations.
He noted that unregistered vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles have increasingly been used to facilitate criminal activities, making it difficult for security agencies to track offenders.
According to the governor, the executive order provides a legal framework for enforcing compliance, including sanctions against driving against traffic and other related offences.
He added that designated enforcement agencies have been empowered to arrest offenders and impound vehicles, motorcycles, or tricycles found in violation of the directive. Offenders, he said, would be prosecuted in line with the law, while seized assets would be processed through established legal procedures.
Makinde linked the new measures to recent security incidents, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire LGA.
“We are living through very trying times; for over 20 days, our teachers and pupils have remained in captivity in the hands of terrorists. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them and their families who continue to endure unimaginable pain and uncertainty,” he said.
He assured residents that his administration was working closely with security agencies to secure the safe return of all abducted victims.
“As a government, we share in their anxiety and their hope, and we remain committed to doing everything within our power to secure the safe return of every one of them,” he said.
While declining to disclose operational details, the governor urged residents not to mistake government restraint for inaction, stressing that efforts were ongoing behind the scenes.
A key provision of the executive order restricts commercial motorcycle operations across the state between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., a measure Makinde said was necessary to improve surveillance and reduce criminal activity at night.
He called on residents to support security agencies by reporting suspicious movements, reiterating that security is a collective responsibility.
“If you see something, say something, and authorities will do something,” he said, also reminding residents of the state’s emergency toll-free line, 615.
Makinde urged citizens to remain vigilant, united, and resilient in the face of security challenges, warning against fear undermining public confidence and community cohesion.
He also commended security agencies and the Amotekun Corps for their efforts in responding to threats across the state, expressing optimism that continued collaboration would lead to the safe rescue of the abducted victims and improved security.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, said enforcement of the order would be carried out by agencies including the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security bodies, which would submit periodic reports to the government.
He added that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions would oversee legal proceedings arising from enforcement, while mechanisms would be put in place for public complaints against official misconduct.
Dignitaries present at the signing included Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Adebo Ogundoyin; Secretary to the State Government Musibaudeen Babatunde; Special Adviser on Security Abayomi Fagbenro; Executive Assistant on Security, retired Compol Sunday Odukoya; OYRTMA Chairman Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.); and heads of relevant security agencies.
