President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of Solomon Ehigiator Arase (CFR), the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 69.
In a condolence message released by his Special Adviser, the President described Arase as a “highly resourceful officer” whose reforms left a lasting impact on policing in Nigeria.
Tinubu noted that Arase served the Nigeria Police Force from 1981 to 2016, leading various tactical, operational, and intelligence units, including a 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 as Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department.
After retirement, Arase continued to contribute to national service as Chairman of the Police Service Commission and as head of the Edo State Task Force on the implementation of the Anti-Community Development Association Law. He also undertook consultancy and advisory 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 the UN Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva.
The President highlighted Arase’s reformist legacy, including the creation of the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit, and Safer Highway Patrols, which he said strengthened security across the country.
Tinubu prayed for the repose of Arase’s soul, describing him as a dedicated security expert whose contributions will be deeply missed.
