Nigeria’s military personnel are now expressly prohibited from engaging in homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, cross-dressing, and any other acts deemed incompatible with the ethics of the armed forces.
They are equally forbidden from body piercing, tattooing, disorderly behaviour, and drunkenness, whether on or off duty.
This directive is detailed in Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service, signed by President Bola Tinubu on December 16, 2024.
A copy of the document obtained by our correspondent on Saturday states, “An officer must not engage in homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality.
“He/she must not belong to or partake in any activities associated with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Agender, or Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) communities, nor cross-dress or engage in similar behaviours.
“An officer is prohibited from body piercing and tattooing any part of their body. An officer shall refrain from any form of disorderly behaviour, brawls, or actions that may bring public disgrace. An officer must not be intoxicated at any time, whether on or off duty.”
Moreover, the conditions of service explicitly forbid officers from engaging in romantic relationships with subordinates or their spouses.
“An officer shall not engage in an amorous relationship with any soldier, sailor, airman, fellow officer, or the spouse of a fellow officer or servicemember,” it asserts.
Military personnel are required to meet their financial obligations, such as timely payment for vehicle licensing and insurance, while also being prohibited from joining secret societies or political parties.
“An officer shall pay all financial obligations properly and promptly, especially those mandated by law and mutual agreement. It is a serious offence for an officer to be apprehended for failing to license or insure their vehicle or meet other legal financial responsibilities. Likewise, the issuance of a dud cheque constitutes an offence.
The document further clarifies, “An officer shall not be a member of any secret society or political party. He/she shall not participate, in any capacity, in activities associated with such societies or parties, even in an observational role.
“For clarity, since cultural or purely traditional religious societies do not operate in secrecy regarding membership or activities, they are excluded from the definition of secret societies.”
Additionally, engaging in private businesses and misusing government property for personal gain is strictly prohibited for serving personnel.
“An officer shall not engage in private business. He/she shall not utilise government property or their name, position, or connections in any commercial enterprises outside their official duties, with or without compensation, that may interfere with their responsibilities or could discredit the Service.
“An officer shall not accept gifts, favours, or entertainment from those junior in rank or from soldiers, sailors, airmen, or airwomen,” the conditions of service conclude.
However, the document does not specify the punishments or disciplinary actions that may be imposed on personnel who violate these rules.