Nigeria’s former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Ehigiator Arase, has passed away at the age of 69, prompting an outpouring of grief from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former IGP Mike Okiro, and several prominent Nigerians.
Arase, who served as the 18th Inspector-General of Police between April 2015 and June 2016, reportedly died on Sunday after a brief illness. Until his death, he was the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), a role he assumed in 2023.
President Tinubu, in a condolence message issued by his media aide, described Arase as “a dedicated officer, reform-minded leader, and patriot who gave his best to the nation.” He added that Arase’s passing was “a deep loss to the security sector and the country at large.”
Former IGP Mike Okiro also paid tribute, recalling Arase as a “brilliant officer and gentleman who combined intelligence with professionalism in policing.” He noted that Arase’s contributions, particularly in intelligence-led policing and community safety, left a lasting impact.
Other security chiefs, political leaders, and civil society groups expressed their condolences, highlighting Arase’s calm disposition, commitment to reform, and passion for building a people-friendly police force.
Born on June 21, 1955, in Edo State, Arase joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1981. Over the course of a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, he served in various capacities, including head of the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, before being appointed IGP. He retired in 2016 but remained active in public service and academia, authoring books on policing and criminal justice.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
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