The Nigerian Armed Forces has a revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service (HATCOS).
The new policy effectively set new rules for Nigeria’s military personnel, outlining banned behaviors and activities, including;
- Homosexuality, lesbianuality, lesbianism, bestiality, and cross-dressing
- Body piercing and tattooing
- Disorderly behavior and drunkenness, whether on or off duty
- Amorous relationships with subordinates or their spouses
- Joining or participating in activities of secret societies or political parties
- Engaging in private business ventures
- Misusing government property for personal gain
The condition of service read in part: “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 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.”
The condition of service equally forbids the involvement of officers in amorous relationships with subordinates or their spouses.
“An officer shall not engage in any amorous relationship with any soldier/rating/airman/airwoman, fellow officer’s or soldier’s/rating’s/airmen’s/air women’s spouse,“ it noted.
Financial Responsibilities
Military personnel are also required to meet their financial obligations, including:
- Paying vehicle licenses and insurance on time
- Avoiding offenses such as issuing dud checks
Failure to meet these financial responsibilities is considered a serious offense.
Gifts and Favors
The rules also prohibit officers from accepting gifts, favours, or entertainment from junior officers or soldiers. It emphasizes maintaining professional relationships.
Consequences
While the revised rules outline these expectations for military personnel, the consequences for violating these rules were not specified.
President Bola Tinubu signed the HATCOS into force on December 16, 2024. It is designed to help maintain discipline and professionalism within the armed forces.
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