President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of Solomon Ehigiator Arase (CFR), Nigeria’s 18th indigenous Inspector General of Police (IGP). Arase died on Sunday at the age of 69 in a hospital in Abuja.
In a condolence message released by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu sympathized with Arase’s family, friends, and colleagues, describing him as a highly resourceful officer who left a lasting impact on the police force.
The President praised Arase’s reforms during his time as IGP and later as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, saying they brought meaningful improvements to the Nigeria Police Force. He noted Arase’s contributions, such as creating the Intelligence Response Team, Complaint Response Unit, and Safer Highway Patrols.
President Tinubu highlighted Arase’s distinguished career from 1981 to 2016, during which he served in several important roles: United Nations Peacekeeping in Namibia, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs, Assistant Inspector General in charge of Intelligence, and Deputy Inspector General of Police at the Criminal Investigation Department.
Even after retirement, Arase continued serving Nigeria in various capacities, including as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, head of Edo State’s Anti-Community Development Task Force, and consultant for organizations like the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the European Centre for Electoral Support, and the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo. He was also a member of the UN Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva.
President Tinubu prayed for the peaceful rest of Arase’s soul, describing him as a dedicated security expert whose wisdom and service will be greatly missed by Nigeria.
