By Nkechi Eze
Nigeria has lost one of its most respected police chiefs, as former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Ehigiator Arase has passed away. He reportedly died at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja.
As of the time of filing this report, neither his family nor the Nigeria Police Force has issued an official statement confirming the circumstances of his death.
Arase, who was widely regarded as a disciplined and principled officer, earned admiration from both subordinates and colleagues for his honesty, integrity, and professional conduct. He served as Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police between April 2015 and June 2016, and was later appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) in January 2023 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari. He held the position until June 2024, when President Bola Tinubu relieved him of the role.
Before becoming IGP, Arase headed the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the police force’s elite intelligence unit. His career spanned several critical postings, including Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence.
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, graduating in 1980, before joining the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981. He later earned a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos.
In addition to his domestic service, Arase also distinguished himself internationally, serving in Namibia as part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission. He was a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy and contributed significantly to the professional development of the force.
He retired from active police service on June 21, 2016, after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.
The death of the former police chief marks the end of a career defined by dedication to law enforcement, reform, and public service. Tributes are expected to pour in from across the country as the nation reflects on his legacy.
