Nigeria has lost one of its most distinguished law enforcement officers, retired Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who died on Saturday at the age of 68. The news of his passing has sent shockwaves across the country, particularly among security stakeholders, public servants, and those who worked closely with him during his decades of dedicated service.
According to sources close to the family, Solomon Arase passed away in the early hours of Saturday after a brief illness. While official confirmation from the Police Service Commission (PSC) is still being awaited, tributes have begun to pour in from across the nation, celebrating his legacy as a reform-minded, intelligent, and principled leader.
Arase, who hailed from Edo State, served as Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police, appointed in April 2015 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan. He retired in June 2016 after a highly respected tenure that emphasized intelligence-led policing, internal discipline, and institutional reform.
To understand the impact of his death, one must look back at his stellar career. Solomon Arase was a lawyer and criminologist, with a rich educational background that included degrees from the University of Benin and the University of Lagos, as well as specialized training from abroad.
Throughout his career, Arase held several key positions within the Nigeria Police Force, including Head of the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (CIIB), and Principal Staff Officer to a former IGP. His leadership style was marked by professionalism, zero tolerance for human rights abuse, and a commitment to community policing.
As IGP, he championed the reduction of police brutality, improved welfare for junior officers, and introduced reforms to curb corruption within the force. Even in retirement, he remained an active voice in national security matters and served as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, a role he was appointed to by President Bola Tinubu in 2023.
President Tinubu, in a condolence message released by his media office, described Arase as “a man of great intellect and integrity who served his nation with unwavering devotion.” Other prominent Nigerians, including state governors, lawmakers, and security chiefs, have also expressed their grief and paid tribute to his legacy.
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State noted that Arase’s death is “a monumental loss to the state and the country at large.” Former colleagues in the police force remember him as a mentor and reformer who helped elevate the standards of policing in Nigeria.
While funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, the family has asked for privacy as they mourn the loss of their patriarch. However, plans are reportedly underway for a national burial befitting his status as a former IGP and PSC Chairman.
