The Nigerian military has officially banned personnel from engaging in activities such as homosexuality, cross-dressing, bestiality, and other actions considered unethical by the armed forces.
Under the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service, signed by President Bola Tinubu in December 2024, military officers are also prohibited from getting tattoos or body piercings, exhibiting disorderly conduct, or being intoxicated, whether on or off duty.
Section 26 of the revised document outlines several restrictions, including a ban on participation in LGBTQIA2S+ activities, cross-dressing, and any behavior that goes against the standards of military ethics.
The section also stresses that officers must maintain proper decorum, avoiding actions that bring public disgrace.
The rules further prohibit military personnel from engaging in romantic relationships with subordinates or the spouses of their colleagues.
Officers are also forbidden from joining secret societies or political parties and participating in any related activities.
Additionally, the military clarified that cultural or traditional religious groups that are not secret by nature are exempt from the prohibition on secret societies.
This move by the Nigerian military comes as part of ongoing efforts to enforce discipline and uphold the ethical standards of the armed forces.
