Nigerian Navy names Captain Folorunsho as new information director

By Philip Nwosu

The Nigerian Navy has appointed Captain Abiodun Abidemi Folorunsho as the new Director of Naval Information and spokesperson, following the approval of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.

Captain Folorunsho formally took over duties on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, who served in the position for over two years and has been redeployed as the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, the Navy’s premier operational base.

In a statement issued by Naval Headquarters, the appointment was described as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic communication and public engagement within the Nigerian Navy.

Born on December 27, 1979, in Benin City, Captain Folorunsho began his military journey at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where he was admitted in 1998 and commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in September 2003. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from the NDA and multiple postgraduate degrees in war studies, international affairs, energy management, and national security from leading institutions in Nigeria, Pakistan, Sweden, and the United States.

Throughout his distinguished naval career, Captain Folorunsho has served in various operational, instructional, and strategic roles across Nigerian Navy ships, shore establishments, and international missions. His deployments include Operation SAFE HAVEN (now Operation ENDURING PEACE), service at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, and key managerial roles at Naval Dockyard Limited, Lagos, where he contributed to indigenous shipbuilding projects, including the construction of Nigerian Navy Ship OJI.

He also served as Chief Instructor, Department of Maritime Warfare, at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and later as Assistant Director, Plans/CNS Directive, at Naval Headquarters prior to his elevation.

Captain Folorunsho has attended several professional military courses locally and internationally, including the Senior Staff Course at the Pakistan Navy War College, the United Nations Staff Officers Course in Sweden, and advanced defence management programmes at the United States Naval War College, where he is a fellow.

A recipient of numerous military decorations and commendations, his awards include the Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, United Nations Medal, General Operations Medal, and the Chief of the Naval Staff Award for Best Graduating Student of the Naval Warfare Course, among others.

He is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, and the Nigerian Institute of Management. He is also a fellow of the Naval War College Nigeria, the United States Naval War College and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan.