Nigeria’s security and political leadership expressed condolences over the death of Solomon Ehigiator Arase (CFR), the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police (IGP), who passed away on Sunday at the age of 69.
President Bola Tinubu described Arase as a highly resourceful professional whose reforms as IGP and later as Chairman of the Police Service Commission brought lasting changes to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
In a statement, the President commended Arase’s commitment to strengthening national security through initiatives such as the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit, and the Safer Highway Patrols.
“Arase served the Nigeria Police Force meritoriously from 1981 to 2016,” President Tinubu recalled.
“During his career, he led tactical, operational, and intelligence units, including the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Namibia. He also served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs, Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and later Deputy Inspector-General, Force Criminal Investigation Department.
”After his retirement, Arase continued to serve the nation in various capacities, including as Chairman of the Police Service Commission and head of the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Task Force. He also undertook consultancy roles with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the European Centre for Electoral Support, the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo, and as a member of the Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva, Switzerland.
“I pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of this dedicated security expert, whose experience and contributions will be deeply missed by our nation,” President Tinubu added.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State also extended condolences to Arase’s immediate family, the IGP, and the Government and people of Edo State.
In a statement released from Ibadan, Makinde described Arase’s death as a significant loss to Nigeria, noting that the retired IGP’s expertise remained relevant to national security even after his retirement.
“Retired IGP Arase’s death will leave a huge vacuum in the security sector, as he was one of the finest police officers in his days of active service and one of the retired Police Chiefs with experience and expertise that could have been useful to Nigeria in years to come,” Governor Makinde said.
He added that his personal relationship with Arase dated back to his tenure as a serving IGP and acknowledged the late officer’s counsel, which had benefited Oyo State at various points.
Makinde prayed for Arase to be granted a place in paradise and for his family and associates to find the strength to bear the loss.
Arase’s career and post-retirement service reflect decades of engagement in national and international security and law enforcement, leaving a legacy acknowledged across Nigeria’s political and security circles.
*Media Report