Ex-IGP Solomon Arase dies at 69, leaving legacy of police reforms

Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, has tragically passed away at the age of 69.

According to a family source, Arase died on Sunday at Cedar Crest Hospital in Abuja.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, also verified the news, stating, “The police authorities will soon release an official statement regarding the incident.”

Arase, who served as Nigeria’s 18th IGP, was later appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West, Edo State, he graduated with a Political Science degree from Ahmadu Bello University in 1980 and joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981.

He furthered his education with a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master’s from the University of Lagos.

Throughout his illustrious career, Arase held key roles, including head of the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, Principal Staff Officer to former IGPs, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, and Assistant Inspector-General in charge of intelligence.

He also served on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia and was a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Retiring from the Force on June 21, 2016, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age, Arase was appointed PSC Chairman by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2023, serving until June 2024.

Renowned for his commitment to police welfare, he spearheaded initiatives like the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit to tackle police misconduct, and the Safer Highway Patrols, which enhanced traveler safety nationwide.

“His reform-driven leadership transformed policing in Nigeria, particularly in election security and neutrality,” a colleague noted.