New Regulations for Nigeria’s Armed Forces: Updated Code of Conduct

Military personnel in Nigeria are now subject to updated ethical guidelines under Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on December 16, 2024.

The updated directives explicitly prohibit behaviors deemed contrary to the ethics of the nation’s armed forces. These include acts such as bestiality, lesbianism, homosexuality, cross-dressing, tattoos, and body piercings. Additionally, disruptive behavior and intoxication—whether on or off duty—are also banned.

The revised regulations further outline restrictions on military personnel owning private companies or participating in covert cults, underscoring the importance of maintaining professional and ethical standards within the armed forces.