The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially prohibited members of the Nigerian Armed Forces from engaging in homosexuality, bestiality, cross-dressing, and other behaviours deemed contrary to the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service (HAFCTCS).

The updated terms, signed by President Bola Tinubu on 16 December 2024, also ban body piercing, tattooing, drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and other forms of misconduct to strengthen discipline within the military.

According to the HAFCTCS, “An officer must not engage in homosexuality, lesbianism, or bestiality. He/she is not to belong to or engage in the activities of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) group, or in cross-dressing, among others.”

The revised terms also strictly forbid personnel from entering into amorous relationships with subordinates or their spouses, emphasising the importance of maintaining professional boundaries.

“An officer shall not engage in any amorous relationship with any soldier, rating, airman, airwoman, or their spouses,” the document states.

Additional regulations mandate that military personnel fulfil financial obligations, such as vehicle licensing and insurance, in a timely manner, with failure to comply considered a serious offence. Issuing dud cheques is similarly prohibited.

The terms further bar officers from joining secret societies or political parties, specifying: “An officer shall not hold membership of any secret society or political party. He shall not participate in any way in activities connected with such societies or parties, even in an observatory capacity.”

Personnel are also prohibited from running private businesses or misusing government property for personal gain. The document underscores that actions bringing disrepute to the armed forces will not be tolerated.