In a move that has drawn significant attention, President Bola Tinubu has implemented a sweeping set of new rules for Nigeria’ s military personnel. Under the revised guidelines in the Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service, certain activities have been strictly prohibited within the armed forces. These include homosexuality, cross- dressing, bestiality, and other actions deemed inappropriate by military standards.
This directive, which is expected to significantly impact the personal and professional lives of military personnel, explicitly bans soldiers and officers from engaging in homosexuality, lesbianism, and any form of sexual activity with animals. It also prohibits participation in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) movements, as well as cross- dressing, which is seen as a direct violation of the armed forces’ core ethical principles. The updated guidelines also emphasize the ban on body piercing and tattooing, labeling such practices as unfit for those in uniform.
In addition to these prohibitions, the new rules emphasize a strict code of conduct regarding behavior on and off duty. The document stresses that military personnel must refrain from engaging in disorderly conduct, brawls, or any actions that may cause public disgrace. The rules are clear on the importance of maintaining decorum, and an officer found drunk— whether on duty or off duty— will face severe consequences.