Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has signed Executive Order No. 002 of 2026, introducing fresh security and traffic measures, including a ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles during late-night hours.
The order, signed on Friday at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, is designed to strengthen security, enforce vehicle registration laws and improve traffic management across the state. It comes amid heightened concerns over insecurity following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.
Under the new directive, commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada riders, are prohibited from operating between **10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.** each day. The government said the restriction is intended to reduce criminal activities and improve surveillance across the state.
Makinde explained that the executive order provides legal backing for authorities to strictly enforce existing vehicle registration and traffic regulations. He noted that criminals frequently use unregistered vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles, making investigations difficult for security agencies.
According to the governor, enforcement officers are empowered to arrest violators and impound vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles operating contrary to the law. He added that offenders would face prosecution under existing legal provisions, while confiscated property would be handled through due process.
Speaking on the recent abduction in Oriire, Makinde described the situation as painful, noting that the kidnapped teachers and pupils had remained in captivity for more than 20 days. He said the government continued to sympathise with their families and was working tirelessly to secure their release.
He assured residents that efforts to rescue the victims were ongoing in collaboration with security agencies, stressing that government silence on operational details should not be mistaken for inaction.
“We remain committed to doing everything within our power to ensure the safe return of every one of them,” the governor said, adding that the victims had not been forgotten.
Makinde also urged residents to support security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities, describing security as a collective responsibility. He encouraged the public to use the state’s toll-free emergency line, **615**, to report threats and emergencies.
The governor commended the Nigeria Police Force and the Oyo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, for their efforts in tackling security challenges, expressing confidence that continued collaboration among security agencies, communities and residents would improve safety across the state.
Earlier, the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, said the executive order would be enforced by agencies including the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement bodies.
He disclosed that the agencies would submit regular enforcement reports to the state government, while the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions would oversee prosecutions arising from violations. He also said mechanisms had been established to ensure transparency and allow members of the public to report misconduct by enforcement officers.