Homosexuality, cross-dressing, others banned in military

The Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF) has introduced strict regulations banning military personnel from engaging in activities considered contrary to the ethics of the service.

These include homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, cross-dressing, and other behaviours deemed inappropriate, according to the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service (HAFCTCS).

Signed by President Bola Tinubu on December 16, 2024, the new directive outlines detailed prohibitions to reinforce discipline within the military. The military also prohibited personnel from body piercing, tattooing, drunkenness, disorderly conduct and other forms of public misconduct.

It stated: “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, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) group and cross-dressing, among others. Military personnel are also forbidden from entering into amorous relationships with subordinates or their spouses.”

The document specifically highlights the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, adding: “An officer shall not engage in any amorous relationship with any soldier, rating, airman, airwoman, or their spouses.”

It noted that other key regulations include the obligation for personnel to fulfil financial obligations such as vehicle licensing and insurance on time. Failure to do so is considered a serious offence, as is the issuance of dud cheques.

The revised terms also prohibit officers from joining secret societies or political parties.

“An officer shall not hold membership of any secret society or political party. He shall not participate, in any way, in activities concerned with such societies or parties, even in observatory capacities,” the document notes.