Nigeria’s military personnel are now expressly prohibited from engaging in homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, cross-dressing, and other acts deemed contrary to the ethics of the armed forces.
The personnel are equally barred from body piercing, tattooing, disorderly behaviour, and drunkenness on or off duty.
This directive is contained in Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service signed by President Bola Tinubu on December 16, 2024.
A copy of the document obtained by our correspondent on Saturday partly read, “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.”
“An officer must not engage in body piercing and tattooing of any part of his body. 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 condition of service also forbids the involvement of officers in amorous relationships with subordinates or their spouses.
“An officer shall not engage in any amorous relationship with any soldier/rating/airman/airwoman, fellow officer’s or soldier’s/rating’s/airmen’s/air women’s spouse, “ it stated.
The military personnel are obligated to pay financial dues, including vehicle licenses and insurance on time, while they are prohibited from joining secret societies or political parties.
