The Nigerian Armed Forces have rolled out a revised set of ethical guidelines aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the military. These updates, signed into effect by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in December 2024, outline specific behaviors deemed inconsistent with military ethics.
According to Section 26 of the updated Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service (HAFCTCS), military personnel are prohibited from engaging in activities such as homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, cross-dressing, and affiliations with LGBTQIA+ groups. The document also bans body piercing, tattooing, disorderly conduct, and drunkenness, both on and off duty.
The regulations emphasize the importance of upholding the armed forces’ code of conduct. They also prohibit amorous relationships between officers and their subordinates, as well as relationships involving a fellow officer’s spouse.
“An officer must not engage in homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality. He/she is not to belong to, or engage in activities of LGBTQIA2S+ groups or cross-dressing,” the directive states.
Further stipulations include financial accountability, requiring personnel to fulfill legal obligations such as vehicle licensing and insurance payments. The issuance of dishonored checks is also highlighted as a punishable offense.
Additionally, the terms bar military officers from affiliating with secret societies or political parties. However, cultural and traditional religious societies that operate transparently are exempt from this prohibition.
A military source described the timing of the revised HAFCTCS as strategic, considering its approval came shortly before the inauguration of Donald Trump as the United States President on January 20, 2025.
“It appears to align with global conservative trends. With Trump returning to office, Nigeria may not face international backlash over the military’s stance,” the source noted.
The updated guidelines underscore the Nigerian military’s commitment to upholding discipline and professional boundaries while navigating evolving societal dynamics.
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