Nigeria’s armed forces have introduced new regulations barring military personnel from engaging in homosexuality, lesbianism, cross-dressing, bestiality, and other acts considered unethical under the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service.
Signed by President Bola Tinubu on December 16, 2024, the updated guidelines also prohibit body piercing, tattooing, drunkenness, and disorderly conduct both on and off duty.
According to Section 26 of the document obtained on Saturday, officers are expressly forbidden from affiliating with or engaging in activities linked to LGBTQIA2S+ groups, emphasizing strict adherence to military discipline.
The document states:
“An officer must not engage in homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality. He/she is not to belong to, or engage in activities of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Trans, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) group and cross-dressing, amongst others.”
In addition to sexual conduct, the guidelines discourage visible body modifications such as tattoos and piercings. They further emphasize decorum, stating:
“An officer shall not engage in any form of disorderly behaviour, brawl, or any action of public disgrace. An officer must not at any time be drunk, whether on or off duty.”
The new directives reflect a broader effort by the Nigerian military to enforce discipline and maintain standards within its ranks, while aligning with prevailing cultural norms.
