The Nigerian Navy has appointed Captain Abiodun Abidemi Folorunsho as the new Director of Naval Information and official spokesperson, following approval by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal).
Captain Folorunsho formally assumed duty on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, taking over from Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, who served in the role for over two years and has been redeployed as the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, the Navy’s premier base.
In a press statement, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral A.O. Olodude, described Captain Folorunsho as a highly experienced senior officer with an extensive operational, academic, and strategic background. Born on 27 December 1979 in Benin City, he began his education in Benin and Zaria before attending the Nigerian Military School, Zaria. He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1998 as a member of 50 Regular Course and was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy as a Sub-Lieutenant in September 2003.
Captain Folorunsho holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Nigerian Defence Academy, alongside multiple postgraduate qualifications, including master’s degrees in War Studies (Maritime), International Affairs and Defence Studies, Energy Management, and National Security and Strategic Studies. He also possesses a Graduate Certificate in Ethics and Emerging Military Technology from the United States Naval War College.
Over the course of his career, he has attended several professional courses locally and internationally, including the Junior and Senior Staff Courses, the Naval Warfare Course, the United Nations Staff Officers Course in Sweden, and the Higher Defence Management Course at the United States Naval War College.
Operationally, Captain Folorunsho has served onboard several Nigerian Navy ships and in key shore appointments. His experience spans engineering roles at sea, counter-insurgency operations under Operation SAFE HAVEN (now Operation ENDURING PEACE), command and instructional duties, United Nations peacekeeping operations in South Sudan, and senior management roles at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Lagos, where he contributed to indigenous shipbuilding efforts.
Most recently, he served as Chief Instructor at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and later as Assistant Director Plans/CNS Directive at Naval Headquarters before his current appointment.
Captain Folorunsho is widely regarded for his exposure to public relations, editorial work across military publications, and experience as a compere and resource person at national and international engagements. He has received several awards and decorations, including the Chief of the Naval Staff Awards for academic excellence, the United Nations Medal, and other service and merit awards.
He is a member and fellow of several professional bodies in Nigeria and abroad. Captain Folorunsho is married to Mrs Olawunmi Folorunsho, and the marriage is blessed with two children.
The Nigerian Navy has urged the media and general public to take note of the appointment and give it wide dissemination.
