In a significant overhaul of its operational regulations, the Nigerian Armed Forces has implemented a series of stringent directives aimed at reinforcing ethical conduct and discipline among military personnel.
The new guidelines, embedded in the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service (HAFTCOS), received presidential approval from President Bola Tinubu on December 16, 2024.
Section 26 of the revised HAFTCOS introduces a comprehensive list of prohibited behaviors and activities. These include bans on homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, cross-dressing, body piercing, and tattooing.
Personnel are also prohibited from engaging in disorderly conduct, public altercations, or intoxication, irrespective of duty status.
“An officer must not engage in homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality…”
“He/she is not to belong to or engage in activities of the LGBTQIA2S+ group and cross-dressing, amongst others.”
The revised code seeks to prevent inappropriate relationships within the armed forces by forbidding romantic or amorous relationships between officers and their subordinates or their spouses.
Further mandates emphasize financial accountability, requiring personnel to maintain timely payment of financial obligations, including vehicle licenses and insurance.
Failure to meet these obligations or issuing dud cheques is classified as severe misconduct.
The updated service conditions also stipulate that: Officers are barred from operating private commercial enterprises or leveraging government resources for personal gain, membership in political parties or secret societies is strictly forbidden.
Cultural or traditional religious societies that maintain transparency are not classified as secret organizations and are exempt from this prohibition.
Also personnel are prohibited from accepting gifts or favors from subordinates to maintain integrity and professional hierarchy.