Ibadan, Nigeria – June 5, 2026
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has signed Executive Order No. 002 of 2026, introducing stricter measures aimed at enhancing security, enforcing vehicle registration compliance, and strengthening traffic regulation enforcement across the state.
A major provision of the order is the restriction of commercial motorcycle operations between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. statewide, a move the governor said was necessitated by growing security concerns and the increasing use of unregistered vehicles and motorcycles in criminal activities.
Makinde announced the new measures on Friday during a signing ceremony held at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.
Security Challenges Prompt New Measures
The governor said the executive order was informed by lessons from recent security breaches across the state, particularly the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area, who have remained in captivity for more than 20 days.
According to him, security agencies frequently encounter challenges in investigating crimes involving unregistered vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles due to the absence of identifiable registration details.
“The executive order is designed to ensure strict compliance with existing laws governing vehicle registration and traffic regulations,” Makinde said.
“Unregistered vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles have increasingly been used to perpetrate criminal activities within the state. Security agencies often encounter difficulties tracking and investigating crimes involving such vehicles because there are no identifiable registration details.”
The governor explained that the order provides a legal framework for the strict enforcement of vehicle registration requirements and other traffic regulations, including offences such as driving against traffic.
Under the directive, designated enforcement agencies have been empowered to arrest offenders and impound vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles found to be in violation of the law.
Night-Time Okada Operations Restricted
One of the most significant provisions of the executive order is the statewide restriction on commercial motorcycle operations during late-night and early-morning hours.
Makinde announced that commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as “Okada” riders, will no longer be permitted to operate between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
The governor said the decision forms part of broader efforts to curb criminal activities and improve surveillance and public safety across Oyo State.
The restriction comes amid increasing concerns about the use of motorcycles by criminal elements for kidnapping, robbery, and other violent crimes.
Governor Speaks on Abducted Teachers and Pupils
Addressing the continued captivity of the abducted teachers and pupils from Oriire Local Government Area, Makinde acknowledged the pain and uncertainty being experienced by affected families and communities.
“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 said.
The governor assured residents that his administration remains fully committed to securing 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 added.
While declining to disclose operational details, Makinde insisted that extensive efforts were ongoing behind the scenes and urged the public not to interpret the government’s silence as inaction.
Recent Kidnappings Heighten Public Anxiety
The latest security measures come against the backdrop of a series of high-profile abductions in Oyo State.
Among them was the kidnapping of Mrs Esther John-Paul, a biological sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her 12-year-old twin sons in Ibadan.
The victims were reportedly abducted by armed men who intercepted their vehicle at Elewura-Challenge in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.
The state also witnessed the abduction of All Progressives Congress chieftain, Wale Oriade, in December 2025. Witnesses said he was forcibly taken away by armed men from his office at PJ Square Shopping Complex along Akala Expressway in Ibadan.
The incidents have fuelled concerns among residents over the evolving security situation in parts of the state.
Makinde called on residents to actively support security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious movements and activities within their communities.
“Security remains a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of all citizens. If you see something, say something, and authorities will do something,” the governor said.
He also urged citizens not to allow fear to undermine community cohesion and confidence, stressing the importance of vigilance, unity, and resilience.
The governor commended the efforts of security agencies, including the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), for their dedication and professionalism in responding to emerging security threats.
Enforcement and Oversight Framework
Earlier, the Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Abiodun Aikomo, explained that enforcement of the executive order would be carried out by relevant agencies, including the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), the Nigeria Police Force, and other law enforcement bodies.
He disclosed that implementing 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 to ensure transparency and accountability.
He also encouraged members of the public to report any misconduct by officials involved in implementing the order.
Balancing Security and Civil Liberties
While the new restrictions are expected to strengthen security efforts, they are also likely to generate debate among commercial motorcycle operators and residents who depend on late-night transportation services.
For the Makinde administration, however, the priority remains clear: strengthening public safety and preventing criminal elements from exploiting gaps in enforcement and regulation.
As Oyo State grapples with evolving security threats, the effectiveness of the new measures will ultimately be judged by their ability to reduce crime, improve public confidence, and secure the release of those still being held captive.
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