I've always thought it was kind of strict that the Nigerian Army says no to recruits with tattoos or any body marks. The main reason they give is that tattoos could be used for cult or gang stuff, which is a pretty big deal in Nigeria. Some people honestly think tattoos make you look like you're part of something shady, even though in other countries they're just about style or family history.

I even have an uncle who tried to join the army years ago and got rejected over a tiny arm tattoo he did when he was like 18. The guy was so bummed! But for the army, I think it's all about control and creating a certain "look". They don’t want anything that stands out or makes people think a soldier belongs to a group outside the army. It's not really about the tattoo itself, more about sending a message that discipline is strict and appearances matter. If you ask me, it’s a bit old school, but rules are rules, and they don’t want anyone with a past that could cause problems up the road.