President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, who died on Sunday at the age of 69.
In a statement, the President extended condolences to the Nigeria Police Force, the family, friends, and associates of the late security chief, describing him as a reform-driven officer whose contributions left a lasting impact on policing in Nigeria.
President Tinubu highlighted Arase’s reforms during his tenure as IGP and later as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, including the establishment of the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit, and Safer Highway Patrols, all of which significantly strengthened policing and public trust.
He recalled Arase’s distinguished service from 1981 to 2016, noting his leadership roles in tactical, operational, and intelligence units, as well as his contributions to United Nations peacekeeping in Namibia, his tenure as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, and as Principal Staff Officer to three successive IGPs.
After retirement, Arase continued to serve in critical national and international roles, including as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, head of the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Task Force, and as a consultant to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the European Centre for Electoral Support, and the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo. He also served on the Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva, Switzerland.
President Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of Arase’s soul, describing him as “a dedicated security expert whose wealth of experience and contributions will be deeply missed by the nation.”
