Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Friday, signed an executive order restricting commercial motorcycle operations and enforcing vehicle registration.

The Executive Order 002 of 2026, signed to strengthen security, henceforth bans commercial motorcyclists from operating between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.

Shortly after signing the order in his office, Mr Makinde said the directive included strict compliance with existing laws on vehicle registration and road use.

He noted that unregistered vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles have increasingly been used to carry out criminal activities.

According to him, security agencies often struggle to track and investigate such crimes because of missing registration details.

The executive order, he explained, creates a legal framework for enforcing vehicle registration requirements and other traffic regulations, including penalties for driving against traffic and other public safety violations.

“Under the order, designated enforcement agencies are empowered to arrest offenders and impound any vehicle, motorcycle or tricycle found in violation.”

“Offenders will be prosecuted according to the law, while seized assets will be processed through established legal procedures,” he said.

Mr Makinde further linked the new measures to recent security breaches in the state, particularly the May 15 abduction of school children and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

“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.

He assured residents of his administration’s commitment to securing the safe return of all victims and working closely with security agencies to achieve all set goals.

“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,” Makinde said.

While he declined to give operational details for security reasons, Makinde said extensive efforts were ongoing behind the scenes.

He urged residents not to mistake the government’s silence for inaction.

The state Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, had earlier outlined the framework of the order.

According to Mr Aikomo, it entails prohibitions on unmarked vehicles and driving against traffic, as well as regulations on vehicle registration, among other security measures. 

(NAN)