Nigeria’s Military Bans Homosexuality, Cross-Dressing, and Other Acts Deemed Unethical
Nigeria’s military personnel are now prohibited from engaging in various acts deemed contrary to the ethics of the armed forces. President Bola Tinubu signed the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service on December 16, 2024, which outlines these new regulations ¹ ².
Prohibited Acts
– _Homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality
Military personnel are barred from engaging in these acts, as well as belonging to or participating in LGBTQIA2S+ groups.
Cross-dressing
Personnel are prohibited from engaging in cross-dressing or any other form of gender nonconformity.
– _Body piercing and tattooing_: Military personnel are not allowed to have body piercings or tattoos.
Disorderly behavior and drunkenness
Personnel are expected to maintain a professional demeanor at all times, both on and off duty.
– _Amorous relationships with subordinates or their spouses_: Military personnel are prohibited from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with those under their command or their spouses.
Financial Obligations and Conflicts of Interest
– _Financial dues_: Military personnel are required to pay their financial obligations, including vehicle licenses and insurance, on time.
Secret societies and political parties_: Personnel are prohibited from joining secret societies or political parties.
– _Private business and misuse of government property_: Military personnel are barred from engaging in private business or misusing government property for personal gain.
These new regulations aim to maintain discipline and professionalism within the Nigerian military. However, the punishments or disciplinary measures for violating these rules have not been specified .