Simeon Udofia Akpanudom Attains Rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Makes History for Essien Udim LGA | Blissful Affairs Online
The Nigeria Police community and stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State have continued to celebrate the remarkable elevation of Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, who has been promoted to the prestigious rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), marking a historic milestone as the first officer from Essien Udim Local Government Area to attain the rank and currently the most senior police officer of Akwa Ibom State origin in the Nigeria Police Force.
A distinguished and highly decorated officer, AIG Akpanudom hails from Ukana Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. His journey to the apex of policing leadership reflects decades of dedication, professionalism, and exceptional service to the nation.
His academic foundation began at Primary School No.1, Abak Town, where he obtained his primary education before proceeding to Holy Family College, Oku Abak, for his secondary education.
Demonstrating early academic brilliance, he later gained admission into the University of Calabar, where he studied Geography and Regional Planning and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Hons), Second Class Upper Division, emerging as the best graduating student in his department in the Class of 1990.
Following the successful completion of the National Youth Service Corps at the Federal Government College Ogbomosho in Oyo State in 1991, he was appointed Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in May 1992, beginning what would become a long and illustrious career in the Nigeria Police Force.
Over the years, AIG Akpanudom has held several strategic command and administrative positions across various states and police formations in Nigeria.
Early in his career, he served as the pioneer Officer-in-Charge of Mgbouba Police Station, now known as Ozuoba Division, following his mandatory post-academy attachment at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Special Area, Rumuodomaya in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
His extensive service record includes roles such as Officer-in-Charge of the National Fertiliser Company of Nigeria (NAFCON) Police Station in Onne, Divisional Crime Officer in Diobu, Elimgbu, and Eleme Divisions in Rivers State, and later as Divisional Police Officer in Eleme, Rumuepirikom, and Ahoada.
AIG Akpanudom also served as Police Public Relations Officer at the Police College Ikeja, where he doubled as a directing staff responsible for training and mentoring younger officers.
His leadership experience further expanded with postings as Divisional Police Officer at Yelwa and GRA Divisions in Bauchi State, and later as Second-in-Command of the Department of Operations, Staff Officer Administration, Officer-in-Charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), and Second-in-Command of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Bauchi State Command.
His career progression continued with appointments as Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) CID, ACP Administration, and Area Commander, Calabar Metropolis in Cross River State. He later served as ACP Administration in Rivers State Command, Deputy Commissioner of Police Administration in Anambra State Command, and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zonal CID, Zone 9 Headquarters, Umuahia, Abia State.
In pursuit of higher strategic training, the senior officer attended the prestigious National Defence College Nigeria, where he completed the Higher Defence Management Course and was subsequently inducted as a Fellow of the Defence College (fdc).
Upon completion of the programme, he was posted to Cross River State Police Command as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations. He was later promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police and posted to Anti-Fraud Section, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon Close, Lagos, where he served with distinction.
Academically, AIG Akpanudom further strengthened his expertise by earning a Master’s Degree in Security and Strategic Studies from the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy. He has also attended numerous professional courses and international conferences on policing, security management, and leadership.
His career has been decorated with several honours and recognitions.
Notably, he emerged as Best All-Round Cadet of Course 17/1992 and was awarded the Inspector-General of Police Sword of Honour. He also emerged as Best Graduating Participant at the Intermediate Command Course 58/2010 and the Strategic Leadership Command Course 6/2019, both at the Police Staff College Jos.
Beyond policing, AIG Akpanudom is widely recognized for his intellectual contributions and professional affiliations. He holds a PhD (Honoris Causa) in Leadership from LeadImpact University, Denver Colorado, USA, and is a Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP).
He is also a member of several professional bodies including the Society for Peace Studies and Practice, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Nigerian Institute of Safety Professionals, and the Nigerian Institute of Management.
AIG Akpanudom is happily married and blessed with children. Outside his demanding professional life, he enjoys reading, writing, watching wrestling and football, exploring nature, swimming, brisk walking, and listening to gospel music.
His elevation to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police has been widely described as a well-deserved recognition of decades of exemplary service, discipline, and unwavering commitment to national security and public safety.
Stakeholders from Akwa Ibom State, colleagues in the police force, and members of the public have continued to congratulate the distinguished officer, expressing confidence that his wealth of experience and leadership will further strengthen policing and security administration in Nigeria.
