The Nigerian Armed Forces have enforced a new rule barring military personnel from marrying foreigners or naturalised Nigerians, citing national security reasons.
The Nigerian Armed Forces have banned personnel from marrying foreigners and naturalised Nigerians under the new Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) 2024, according to LEADERSHIP reporting.
The revised military law, signed by the President on December 6, 2024, also prohibits commissioned officers from marrying non-commissioned personnel such as soldiers, ratings, or airwomen. Service chiefs have been directed to enforce the rule strictly.
Chapter 25 of HTACOS outlines that officers must seek approval and subject their intended spouses to vetting before marriage. It adds that “no officer is allowed to marry a foreigner or a naturalised Nigerian.”
A retired major general said the rule was meant to “protect information and other security-related issues,” warning that foreign marriages could divide loyalty.
Retired Group Captain Shehu Sadeeq agreed the rule was rooted in national security but called for a review to align with international best practices that allow vetting instead of outright bans.
However, human rights activist Dr Zikirullahi Ibrahim criticised the policy, saying it unfairly targets military personnel, while CISLAC’s Auwal Rafsanjani backed it, insisting officers must prioritise national interest over personal relationships.