Governor Seyi Makinde has announced a ban on nighttime commercial motorcycle operations and directed security agencies to impound unregistered vehicles and motorcycles as part of fresh measures to tackle rising insecurity in Oyo State.
The governor unveiled the directives on Friday after signing Executive Order No. 002 of 2026, aimed at strengthening security, improving traffic control and enforcing compliance with vehicle registration laws across the state.
According to Makinde, the executive order provides a stronger legal framework for the enforcement of traffic regulations while empowering relevant agencies to arrest offenders, impound vehicles and prosecute violators.
“The executive order establishes a robust legal framework for the effective enforcement of vehicle registration and traffic regulations, while authorising relevant agencies to arrest offenders, impound vehicles and prosecute violators in accordance with existing laws,” he said.
A major provision of the order places restrictions on commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada riders. Under the new directive, commercial motorcycles are prohibited from operating between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. across the state.
Makinde said the measure was introduced to reduce criminal activities associated with late-night movements and improve public safety.
“The restriction is designed to curb criminal activities and further enhance public safety,” the governor stated.
He linked the decision to growing security concerns in the state, particularly the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Ahoro-Esinele, Oriire Local Government Area, which has heightened public anxiety.
The governor also urged residents to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615.
Makinde commended operatives of the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies for their efforts in safeguarding lives and property.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State has commenced enforcement operations against unmarked vehicles, fake or obscured number plates and motorcycles operating without proper registration.
Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade said violators would be arrested and their vehicles impounded in line with existing laws.
The police command also announced intensified stop-and-search operations, intelligence-led patrols and coordinated raids on identified criminal hideouts across the state.
In a separate statement, the command dismissed reports circulating online regarding alleged operational details linked to investigations into the Oriire abduction, describing them as false and misleading.
According to the police, investigations into the incident remain active and intelligence-driven, while warning bloggers and members of the public against spreading unverified information capable of undermining ongoing security operations.
