In a major legal reform, the Nigerian Senate has advanced a bill that officially prohibits the recruitment of anyone under the age of 18 into the Armed Forces.
The proposed legislation, known as the Armed Forces Bill, 2025, passed its second reading, signaling strong legislative support. The bill aims to bring the military’s recruitment rules in line with national and international child protection laws.
Sponsor of the bill, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, stated that the current law is outdated, having originated from a past military government. He argued that a modern, democratic Nigeria needs a new legal foundation for its military.
The senator emphasized that the reform is designed to promote justice and professionalism within the armed forces while ensuring respect for human rights.
Beyond the age ban, the bill introduces other significant changes. It plans to clearly define military offences and ensure that punishments are fair and proportionate to the crime committed.
A key part of the reform is to protect the independence of military courts. The bill seeks to make it a crime for senior officers to interfere in court-martial proceedings.
