The Nigerian Armed Forces has officially banned military personnel from marrying foreigners and naturalised Nigerians, according to the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) Officers 2024. The new rules, which also prohibit commissioned officers from marrying non-commissioned officers, came into effect on December 6, 2024, following approval by the Armed Forces Council and signature by the President.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/idrinstitute.png")
The HTACOS, a five-year reviewable document, outlines marriage rules in Chapter 25. Subsection 5 specifically states: “No officer is allowed to marry a foreigner or a naturalised Nigerian.” Additionally, officers on probation such as second lieutenants, midshipmen, and pilot officers are prohibited from marrying during their initial posting and are expected to live in Officers’ Messes without spouses.
Before marriage, officers must seek approval from superior authorities, and prospective spouses undergo vetting. Officers marrying other personnel in violation of the rules may face discharge, while concealing such a marriage is considered an offence.
A retired Major General, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that the ban is intended to protect classified military information. “An officer may discuss work-related matters with a spouse. If the spouse is foreign, it could jeopardise Nigeria’s security. This rule safeguards the nation, especially during conflict scenarios involving foreign nations,” he said.
Group Captain Shehu Sadeeq (Rtd) acknowledged the national security reasoning but argued that the rule may need modernization. He noted that many militaries worldwide have similar regulations, though most use vetting and security clearances rather than an outright ban. In countries like the U.S. and the UK, officers may marry foreigners after vetting or restricted clearance periods. He suggested the Nigerian military could adopt similar measures to respect officers’ personal rights while maintaining security.
The regulation has drawn criticism from human rights advocates. Dr. Zikirullahi Ibrahim, Executive Director of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education, argued that the ban should apply only to officers in highly sensitive positions. “When you say members of the Armed Forces cannot marry foreigners, why are they isolated from other government officials? Many top military families already have dual citizenship. The rule seems inconsistent with broader policymaking,” he said. He recommended restricting the ban to officers aspiring to top positions while allowing others freedom in their marital choices.
Conversely, Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), supported the ban. He said: “Military personnel hold sensitive national information. It is risky for them to marry someone from another nationality who could unintentionally compromise security. Officers are aware of the sacrifices their role entails, and such restrictions are necessary to safeguard the nation.”
The HTACOS 2024 represents a strict approach by the Nigerian Armed Forces to balance operational security with personal freedoms. While it has sparked debate over personal rights and consistency with global practices, military authorities maintain that the directive is necessary to protect classified information, ensure loyalty, and prevent potential conflicts of interest among personnel.
The five-year review clause in the HTACOS leaves room for potential modifications in line with evolving security needs and best practices observed in other countries.
The publishing firm has produced an impressive catalogue of authoritative legal texts authored by its proprietor, Basil Momodu, Esq.,
For inquiries, contact:
📧 momodulawpublishing@yahoo.com
📞 07051822705
______________________________________________________________________
“Your Must-Have Legal Classic” — 225-Page Hardback Offering The Definitive Guide To Electoral Security In Nigeria And The U.S.
Edited by Dr. Akin Olawale Oluwadayisi, Ph.D; ACIArb, FIPDM, Notary Public, Awi Boluwaji, and Olumide Awoyemi, LL.M, Price: ₦20,000 or $20 per copy
Order Your Copy Now:📧 Email: benakollegalclassics@gmail.com,📱 WhatsApp: 07038211889, 📞 Voice Call: 07065830466 | +2347038211889
______________________________________________________________________
“Timely And Groundbreaking” — Babalola, Nnawuchi Release Casebook On Privacy & Data Protection In Nigeria
A timely new publication, Casebook on Privacy & Data Protection in Nigeria, co-authored by Olumide Babalola and Uchenna Nnawuchi, 📘Casebook on Privacy & Data Protection in Nigeria is now available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8TmFZrd
______________________________________________________________________
Groundbreaking Guide For Lawyers: Adigwe Publishes ‘Artificial Intelligence For Lawyers’ With Free Research eBook
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACiarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
______________________________________________________________________
Explore Nigeria’s Constitutional System — 17 Chapters, 924 Pages Of Insight By Prof. Hagler Sunny Okorie
The books are available for purchase at:
Online: www.educodex.com | www.selar.com | www.amazon.com | www.mikeozekhome.com
Enquiries: +234 704 044 9375 | +234 814 813 4773 | +234 816 872 3532
Email: educodexl@gmail.com
______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________
Alexander Payne Co. Law Reports
Contact & Orders 📞 0704 444 4777 | 0704 444 4999 | 0818 199 9888 🌐 www.alexandernigeria.com
