Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has signed Executive Order No. 002 of 2026 to strengthen security, enforce vehicle registration regulations and improve traffic management across the state.
The governor also announced restrictions on the activities of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada riders, following growing security concerns, particularly the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area more than 20 days ago.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at his office on Friday, Makinde said the executive order was aimed at ensuring strict compliance with existing laws governing vehicle registration and traffic regulations.
He noted that unregistered vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles have increasingly been used in criminal activities across the state.
According to the governor, security agencies often face challenges tracking and investigating crimes involving unregistered vehicles due to the lack of identifiable registration details.
Makinde explained that the order provides a legal framework for the enforcement of vehicle registration requirements and traffic regulations, including offences such as driving against traffic.
He said authorised enforcement agencies have been empowered to arrest offenders and impound vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles found to be in breach of the order.
The governor added that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, while seized assets would be handled through established legal procedures.
Linking the measures to recent security incidents, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, Makinde said: “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 with their families who continue to endure unimaginable pain and uncertainty.”
He assured residents that his administration remains committed to securing the safe return of all abducted victims and is working closely with relevant security agencies to achieve that goal.
“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.
The governor acknowledged the anguish experienced by the affected families and communities, stressing that the abducted teachers and pupils have neither been forgotten nor abandoned.
While declining to reveal operational details for security reasons, he maintained that extensive efforts were ongoing behind the scenes and urged residents not to interpret the government’s silence as inaction.
A major aspect of the executive order is the restriction of commercial motorcycle operations between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. across the state.
Makinde said the measure was introduced as part of broader efforts to curb criminal activities and strengthen surveillance within communities.
He called on residents to support security agencies by providing timely information on suspicious activities and movements.
According to him, security remains a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of all citizens.
“If you see something, say something, and authorities will do something,” he said, while reminding residents of the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615, for reporting security threats and emergencies.
The governor urged residents to remain vigilant, united and resilient despite the prevailing security challenges, warning against allowing fear to undermine communal harmony and public confidence.
He also commended security agencies and members of the Amotekun Corps for their dedication, sacrifices and professionalism in responding to security threats across the state.
Makinde expressed confidence that sustained collaboration among security agencies, community leaders and residents would help secure the safe rescue of the abducted teachers and pupils while strengthening security across Oyo State.
Speaking at the event, Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, said implementation of the order would be carried out by relevant agencies, including the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement bodies.
He added that the agencies would be required to submit periodic enforcement reports to the state government.
Aikomo further stated that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions would oversee prosecutions arising from the enforcement exercise, while members of the public would be encouraged to report any misconduct by officials involved in implementing the order.