Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, has departed for eternal abode.
According to family sources, the one-time chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), passed away at Cedar Crest Hospital, Abuja, after battling an undisclosed ailment.
Arase, who was Nigeria’s 18th IGP, served between April 2015 and June 2016 before retiring from active service.
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He later emerged as chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) in January 2023 following his appointment by the then President Muhammadu Buhari.
However, he was removed from the position in June 2024 by President Bola Tinubu.
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West local government area of Edo State, Arase studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating in 1980.
He enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, later bagging a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos.
Before becoming IGP, he headed the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the Force’s top intelligence unit.
He also held several key appointments, including Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Intelligence.
The late police chief also had an international stint, serving in Namibia under a United Nations peacekeeping mission. He was a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
Arase retired from the Force on June 21, 2016, after attaining the mandatory retirement age.
Tinubu mourns former IGP Arase
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, Nigeria’s 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, who died on Sunday at the age of 69.
In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commiserated with the Nigeria Police Force, as well as the family, friends and associates of the late security chief, describing him as a “highly resourceful officer” whose legacy of reforms left an enduring impact on the nation’s policing system.
President Tinubu paid tribute to Arase’s years of service, recalling his distinguished career that spanned from 1981 to 2016.
“Arase served the police force meritoriously from 1981 to 2016. During his career, he led tactical, operational, and intelligence units, including United Nations Peacekeeping in Namibia, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, and the Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs,” the President noted.
The late police chief, who was appointed Inspector-General of Police in 2015, is remembered for instituting far-reaching reforms that significantly shaped the force.
Among his contributions were the establishment of the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit, and the Safer Highway Patrols, initiatives that strengthened operational efficiency and improved relations between citizens and the police.
“After retirement, he continued to serve the nation in various public roles, including as Chairman of the Police Service Commission and as head of the Task Force on implementing the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Law.
“His expertise extended to consultancy roles with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the European Centre for Electoral Support, the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo, and as a member of the Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva, Switzerland”, he said.
Reflecting on the weight of his passing, President Tinubu said: “I pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of this dedicated security expert, whose experience and contributions will be deeply missed by our nation.”
Arase’s death a great loss to Nigeria – Minister
Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidami on Sunday expressed shock over the death of the former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase.
Gaidami, in a letter of condolence, said Arase’s contribution has a great impact in the protection of live and property and cordially worked with the Ministry in the transparent recruitment of 2024 police constable in the country.
The letter signed by the minister said, “Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidami on behalf of the Police Ecosystem condole with the people and government of Nigeria, especially the Arase families, over the death of the former Inspector General of Police and Police Service Commission (PSC), who died today.
“The Ministry and the entire stakeholders share in the moment of grief and sorrow with the family, people of Edo state, and the entire country. This is a great loss to the people, Police Ecosystem, and government of Nigeria.
” It’s important to acknowledge the significance of his contributions and the impact of his passing on the nation.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a true leader and a dedicated servant to our nation. His legacy will live on through his tireless efforts and commitment to the people.
“This is a profound loss for our country. Arase ‘s dedication to public service and his unwavering commitment to the security sector will be remembered.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of a statesman who served with honor and integrity. May his spirit of leadership inspire generations to come.
“In this time of grief, we offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Arase. His contributions to our nation will not be forgotten”.
