The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the death of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
Arase, aged 69, passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.
Force spokesperson, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, said the news of Arase’s passing was officially communicated to the current Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, by his first son, Solomon Osabohien Arase Jr.
IGP Egbetokun later visited the family in Abuja to condole with them on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, describing the late Arase as a reform-driven leader whose legacy would endure in the annals of policing and national security.
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase was a highly accomplished officer and academic. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, a Law degree from the University of Benin, a Master’s in Law from the University of Lagos, and later obtained a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
He joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, and steadily rose through the ranks. He served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and Deputy Inspector-General at the Force Criminal Investigation Department before his appointment as Inspector-General of Police in April 2015. He retired in June 2016 upon attaining the statutory age of 60.
During his tenure as IGP, Arase was credited with introducing landmark reforms aimed at boosting professionalism and public confidence in the Force. Notably, he established the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) to ensure prompt handling of public complaints and enhance the protection of citizens’ rights.
Beyond his service in uniform, Arase also made his mark as an advocate of education and human capital development. Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, he awarded scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with particular focus on children of deceased police officers and indigent students.
“The late IGP exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and leadership, while his contributions to national security and police reform continue to resonate within the Force and beyond,” the police statement read in part.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.
