Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced fresh security measures aimed at tackling rising insecurity in the state, including a restriction on commercial motorcycle operations between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. daily.
The governor unveiled the directive on Friday while signing Executive Order No. 002 of 2026 on the Regulation and Enforcement of Vehicle Registration and Traffic Management in Oyo State.
The latest action comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State, particularly following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that has generated public anxiety and renewed calls for stronger security measures.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Makinde said investigations and security assessments had revealed that unregistered vehicles and motorcycles were increasingly being used to facilitate criminal operations.
According to him, the state government cannot afford to ignore emerging security threats and must continue strengthening its security architecture to protect lives and property.
“We owe it to our people to continue strengthening the security architecture of our state so that we can better protect lives and properties,” the governor said.
Under the new order, commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada riders, will no longer be allowed to operate during the restricted night-time hours across the state.
The government believes the measure will make it more difficult for criminal elements to move undetected under the cover of darkness.
Makinde also reassured residents that efforts to secure the release of the abducted teachers and schoolchildren remain ongoing.
“For over 20 days now, our teachers and pupils have remained in captivity. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them and their families. They have not been forgotten and they have not been abandoned,” he said.
The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements through the state emergency line, stressing that security remains a shared responsibility.
Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, said the executive order provides a stronger legal framework for enforcing vehicle registration and traffic regulations.
He explained that many vehicles involved in criminal activities are often unregistered, making it difficult for security agencies to track offenders.
The order empowers designated enforcement authorities to arrest offenders, prosecute violators and impound vehicles operating in violation of the law.
The latest directive adds to a series of security-focused initiatives introduced by the Makinde administration in recent months, including measures to regulate security and vigilante groups operating across Oyo state.
Security stakeholders have repeatedly warned about the use of unregistered motorcycles and vehicles in criminal operations, including kidnapping and armed robbery, making stricter regulation a key part of ongoing security efforts.
Several top government officials, security advisers, Amotekun commanders and lawmakers attended the signing ceremony as the state government intensified efforts to address emerging security challenges.
