NIGERIAN NAVY APPOINTS CAPTAIN ABIODUN ABIDEMI FOLORUNSHO AS DIRECTOR OF NAVAL INFORMATION
By Emeka Amaefula
The Nigerian Navy has announced the appointment of Captain Abiodun Abidemi Folorunsho as its new Director of Naval Information and official spokesperson, a move that underscores the service’s renewed focus on strategic communication, public engagement and operational transparency. The appointment, which received the approval of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, took effect on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Captain Folorunsho succeeds Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, who served in the role for over two years and has now been redeployed to a higher strategic responsibility as Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, the Navy’s foremost operational base. The transition reflects the Navy’s tradition of rewarding merit and experience while ensuring continuity in leadership across key command and policy positions.
In a statement issued by the Chief of Policy and Plans of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral A.O. Olodude, the service described Captain Folorunsho as an accomplished officer whose career combines robust operational exposure, strong academic credentials and broad international experience. According to Rear Admiral Olodude, these qualities position him well to articulate the Navy’s activities accurately and professionally, while strengthening public confidence and institutional credibility.
Born on December 27, 1979, in Benin City, Edo State, Captain Folorunsho is the son of the late Major Peter Adeboji Folorunsho (rtd) and Mrs. Rukayat Esther Folorunsho. His formative years were shaped by a disciplined educational background, beginning at Olua Primary School, Benin City, and Army Command Children School, Zaria.
He later attended the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, between 1991 and 1996, before gaining admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1998 as a member of the 50 Regular Course. He was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy as a Sub Lieutenant in September 2003.
An officer with a strong academic orientation, Captain Folorunsho holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Nigerian Defence Academy. He has also earned several postgraduate qualifications, including a Master of Science in War Studies (Maritime) from the National Defence University, Islamabad; an MSc in International Affairs and Defence Studies from the NDA; an MSc in Energy Management from the World Maritime University, Malmö, Sweden; and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College. In addition, he obtained a Graduate Certificate in Ethics and Emerging Military Technology from the U.S. Naval War College, further reinforcing his grounding in contemporary security and defence issues.
Throughout his naval career, Captain Folorunsho has undertaken extensive professional military training and held a wide range of operational, instructional and strategic appointments. His courses include the Junior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji; the Senior Staff Course at the Pakistan Navy War College, Lahore; the United Nations Staff Officers Course at the SWEDINT Training Centre in Stockholm; the Naval Warfare Course at the Naval War College of Nigeria, Calabar; and the Higher Defence Management Course at the U.S. Naval War College in 2023.
Operationally, he served aboard Nigerian Navy Ships ERINOMI, AYAM and BARAMA between 2003 and 2008, gaining vital seagoing experience. In 2010, he participated in Operation SAFE HAVEN, now known as Operation ENDURING PEACE, where he served as Company Commander and Operations Officer. He later held key positions including Officer-in-Charge of the Boat Platoon at the Qua Iboe Terminal, Commanding Officer of the Navy’s Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence and Firefighting School in Sapele, Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, and Military Liaison Officer at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
Captain Folorunsho also contributed significantly to naval engineering and indigenous capacity development during his tenure at Naval Dockyard Limited, Lagos, where he served as Manager Production and Manager Plans. In these roles, he played a part in local shipbuilding initiatives, notably during the construction of NNS OJI. He later served as Assistant Director, Research and Development, at the Defence Cyber Operations Centre, reflecting his versatility across both kinetic and emerging domains of modern warfare. Most recently, he was Chief Instructor in the Department of Maritime Warfare at AFCSC, Jaji, from 2023 to 2025, before his appointment as Assistant Director, Plans/CNS Directive at Naval Headquarters.
Beyond his operational and command responsibilities, Captain Folorunsho brings notable experience in public relations, strategic communication and editorial work, having contributed to various military publications and anchored major events for the Nigerian Navy and other tri-service organisations. His service has been recognised with several honours, including multiple Chief of the Naval Staff commendations, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan Commendation Award and other service decorations.
A fellow of leading military institutions, Captain Folorunsho is also a member of professional bodies such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. He is married to Mrs. Olawunmi Folorunsho, and their union is blessed with two children. With his appointment as Director of Naval Information, expectations are high that the Nigerian Navy’s engagement with the public and the media will continue to reflect professionalism, clarity and strategic purpose.
———Emeka Amaefula ——+234(0)8111813069—
