President Bola Tinubu has approved strict new regulations for Nigerian military personnel, including a ban on homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, and cross-dressing.
The rules also prohibit body piercing, tattoos, disorderly behavior, drunkenness, and involvement in political or secret societies.
The directive is part of the revised *Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service* signed by Tinubu on December 16, 2024.
A section of the document obtained on Saturday states, “An officer must not engage in homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality. He/she is not to belong to or engage in activities of the LGBTQIA2S+ group and cross-dressing, amongst others.”
The document also emphasizes discipline and professional conduct, barring personnel from engaging in amorous relationships with subordinates or their spouses. It adds, “An officer shall not engage in any amorous relationship with any soldier, rating, airman, airwoman, or the spouse of a fellow officer or subordinate.”
Officers are required to meet all financial obligations, including vehicle licenses and insurance. Failure to comply with legal financial duties or issuing dud checks is considered a serious offense.
The rules also forbid private business ventures and the misuse of government property for personal gain. The document specifies, “An officer shall not engage in private business. He shall not use or be allowed to use government property, his name, position, and connection in any way with commercial enterprises outside his official duties.”
Accepting gifts, favors, or entertainment from juniors in rank is also prohibited.
The military personnel are warned against joining secret societies or political parties. The document clarifies, “An officer shall not hold membership of any secret society or political party. He shall not participate, in any way, in activities of such societies or parties, even in observatory capacities.”
Punishments for those who violate the rules were not specified in the document.
