FG Bans Homosexuality, Cross-dressing in Military, in Revised Terms for Forces
The federal government has prohibited personnel of the Nigerian military from engaging in homosexuality, bestiality, cross-dressing, and other behaviours that contravene the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service (HAFCTCS).
HAFCTCS 2024, which was signed by President Bola Tinubu on December 16, 2024, also barred military personnel from body piercing, tattooing, drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and other forms of public misconduct.
The prohibitions were aimed at reinforcing discipline within the armed forces.
According to HAFCTCS, “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, TwoSpirit (LGBTQIA2S+) group and cross-dressing, amongst others."
Military personnel were also forbidden from entering into amorous relationships with subordinates or their spouses.
The legal instrument specifically highlighted the importance of maintaining professional boundaries.
It stated, “An officer shall not engage in any amorous relationship with any soldier, rating, airman, airwoman, or their spouses."
According to the revised terms and condition of service, other key regulations include the obligation for personnel to fulfil financial obligations, such as vehicle licensing and insurance on time. It stressed that failure to do so will be considered a serious offence, just like the issuance of dud cheques.
The revised terms also banned officers from joining secret societies or political parties.
It stated, "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.”
Military personnel were equally restricted from engaging in private businesses or misusing government property for personal gain.
The document further warned that actions that bring discredit to the armed forces will not be tolerated.