Nigerian military officers are now banned from marrying foreigners, naturalized citizens, or non-commissioned personnel under the new HTACOS 2024 security directive.
The Nigerian Armed Forces have officially issued a significant new directive regarding the matrimonial choices of its commissioned officers. This policy is contained within the newly approved Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) 2024, a comprehensive document aimed at improving the overall welfare and administrative efficiency of military personnel.
However, amidst the positive reforms, the HTACOS 2024 introduces two major, restrictive clauses concerning the marriage of commissioned officers.
Ban on Marrying Foreigners and Naturalized Citizens
The most consequential restriction is the outright prohibition for officers to marry individuals who are foreigners or those who are naturalized Nigerians.
While the broader HTACOS document focuses on welfare, this specific directive is widely understood to be a critical national security measure. By restricting marriage partners to only those who are Nigerian by birth, the military aims to mitigate potential security risks, safeguard sensitive information, and ensure the undivided loyalty and integrity of its officer corps in the face of evolving security challenges.
Restriction on Marrying Non-Commissioned Personnel
Furthermore, the new HTACOS 2024 also forbids commissioned officers from marrying non-commissioned personnel.
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This means an officer (who holds a commission) cannot marry enlisted personnel such as a soldier, a naval rating, or an airwoman. This particular restriction serves to strictly reinforce the professional hierarchy, disciplinary boundaries, and the chain of command within the armed forces, maintaining a clear separation between the officer and enlisted ranks.
