Former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, Passes Away
Nigeria has lost one of its most distinguished police chiefs, as former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Ehigiator Arase has died. He reportedly passed away at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja. As of the time of filing this report, neither his family nor the Nigeria Police Force has issued an official statement.
Arase, who was born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, was Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police. A career officer known for his intellect, discipline, and professional reforms, he rose through the ranks after joining the Force on December 1, 1981.
He graduated in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University in 1980 before proceeding to obtain a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos. His expertise in intelligence and criminal investigation earned him respect within and outside the country.
Before his appointment as IGP in April 2015, Arase headed the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the Force’s premier intelligence arm. He also served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Assistant Inspector-General in charge of intelligence, and participated in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia.
A Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Arase retired from service on June 21, 2016, after attaining the statutory retirement age. In January 2023, he was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, a role he held until June 2024.
Widely regarded as one of the more reform-minded leaders of the Nigeria Police, Arase advocated intelligence-driven policing, respect for human rights, and the welfare of officers.
His passing marks the end of an era for the Nigeria Police Force and the nation at large, which he served for nearly four decades.
