Nigerian Military Bans Officers from Marrying Foreigners, Naturalised Citizens

The Nigerian Armed Forces have introduced a new regulation prohibiting military personnel from marrying foreigners or naturalised Nigerians. The directive, contained in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) of the Armed Forces Act 2024, also forbids commissioned officers from marrying non-commissioned officers such as soldiers, ratings, or airwomen. Service chiefs have been ordered to enforce the policy without exception.

The updated HTACOS, which supersedes the 2017 version, came into effect on December 6, 2024, following presidential approval. The document outlines strict rules on marriage within the military, including mandatory vetting and approval before any officer can wed. According to Chapter 25, officers on probation—such as second lieutenants, midshipmen, and pilot officers—are prohibited from marrying during their probationary period and will not be recognised as married for accommodation or allowances, even if they were married before joining the Academy.

If a soldier or airman who was already married is later commissioned, the individual must reside in the Officers’ Mess for three months before possibly being granted married accommodation or lodging allowance. Officers are required to seek approval and undergo a vetting process for prospective spouses, with applications permitted only after five years of commissioning. Any officer who marries a lower-ranking service member must choose to leave the Service, and concealing such a marriage constitutes an offence.

A retired major general, speaking anonymously, said the rule was designed to protect national security and prevent sensitive information from being leaked through foreign spouses. He explained that divided loyalties could arise if a soldier were married to a citizen of a nation potentially at odds with Nigeria.

Retired Group Captain Shehu Sadeeq described the policy as rooted in national security considerations rather than cultural bias. He said the ban aims to prevent potential intelligence leaks, manage allegiance issues, and avoid complications in overseas postings. However, he called for a review, suggesting that vetting rather than outright prohibition could align Nigeria’s approach with global standards. Sadeeq noted that while countries like China, Russia, and India impose strict restrictions, others such as the US and UK allow such marriages but require security clearance and vetting.

Human rights advocate Dr Zikirullahi Ibrahim criticised the law as inconsistent, arguing that restrictions should apply only to those in positions of authority with access to classified information. He questioned why the same rule does not extend to politicians or government officials who also handle sensitive matters and often hold dual citizenship. Ibrahim maintained that love and marriage should not be unduly regulated, suggesting instead that such limitations apply only to top military appointments.

In contrast, Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), supported the restriction. He said national security must take precedence, noting that military officers voluntarily accept such sacrifices when choosing a career in security service.

The HTACOS document will remain in force for five years before the next scheduled review.