President Tinubu Approves Revised Military Code Banning Homosexuality, Cross-Dressing, Disorderly Conduct

Abuja, Nigeria — Military personnel in Nigeria are now explicitly prohibited from engaging in homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, and cross-dressing, among other acts deemed unethical, following the signing of a revised code of conduct.

The directive, contained in Section 26 of the Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service, was approved by President Bola Tinubu on December 16, 2024.

In addition to these prohibitions, service members are barred from body piercing, tattooing, disorderly behavior, and drunkenness, both on and off duty. Officers are also obligated to pay financial dues, such as vehicle licenses and insurance, promptly and are forbidden from joining secret societies or political parties.

The new conditions of service emphasise ethical standards within the armed forces.

A statement released on Saturday elaborated: “An officer must not engage in homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality. An officer shall also not engage in any amorous relationship with subordinates or their spouses.”

According to the statement, “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.”

It said, “An officer shall pay all just financial obligations in a proper and timely manner, especially those imposed by law and mutual contract. It is a very serious offence for an officer to be apprehended for failure to license or insure his vehicle, and other legal financial obligations. In the same vein, the issuance of a dud cheque constitutes an offence.

“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.

“For the avoidance of doubt, since cultural or purely traditional religious societies are not normally secret by membership or in the conduct of their affairs, they are ipso-facto excluded from belonging to secret societies,” the statement read

Serving personnel are strictly prohibited from running private businesses or misusing government property for personal benefit.

According to the conditions of service:

“An officer is not permitted to engage in private business. They must not use or allow government property, their name, position, or connections to be associated with any commercial enterprise outside their official duties. This applies to activities conducted with or without compensation, especially those that interfere with official responsibilities or could harm the reputation of the Service.”

Additionally, officers are barred from accepting gifts, favors, or entertainment from subordinates, including soldiers, ratings, airmen, or airwomen.

Violations of these rules carry penalties or disciplinary actions, which are outlined in the Service’s regulations.