Nigeria is mourning the death of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, who passed away on Sunday at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness. He was 69.
Arase, remembered for his reforms, discipline, and dedication to public service, left a lasting legacy in the Nigeria Police Force and beyond. Here are 15 things to know about the late security icon:
1. Early Life – Arase was born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, into a family that valued education and discipline.
2. Educational Background – He studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, graduating in 1980, before earning a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master’s in Law from the University of Lagos.
3. Strategic Training – He attended the National Defence College and later became a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy, sharpening his expertise in security strategy.
4. Entry into Police Force – Arase joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, marking the start of an illustrious career.
5. State Policing Roles – He served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and later as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of intelligence.
6. International Peacekeeping – He represented Nigeria in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia, gaining valuable global experience.
7. Rise to Inspector-General – In April 2015, Arase was appointed Inspector-General of Police, the highest office in the Force, serving until June 2016.
8. Reform Initiatives – As IGP, he established the Police Complaints Response Unit to address misconduct and boost public trust in the police.
9. Operational Efficiency – He created the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to handle high-profile crimes and strengthen intelligence-driven policing.
10. Civil Liberties Defender – Arase issued a directive banning indiscriminate phone searches by police officers, protecting citizens’ rights.
11. Advocate of Modern Policing – He promoted forensic development, community policing, and better welfare for rank-and-file officers.
12. Service Beyond Retirement – Even after his retirement in 2016, Arase continued to serve the nation through public roles, including as Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
13. Transparency Advocate – At the PSC, he pushed for merit-based recruitment and transparency in police promotions and appointments.
14. Youth Empowerment – Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, he awarded scholarships to students in medicine, engineering, and security studies, with special focus on children of fallen police officers.
15. Lasting Legacy – Until his passing in 2025, Arase remained active in security consultancy, reforms, and youth development, leaving behind a blueprint for a modern Nigerian police force.
