President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound grief over the death of Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, Nigeria’s 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 on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended sympathies to the Nigeria Police Force, as well as to the family, friends, and associates of the late security chief. He described Arase as a “highly resourceful officer” whose visionary reforms left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s policing system.

 

The President recalled Arase’s distinguished service from 1981 to 2016, during which he held several tactical, operational, and intelligence positions.

 

“Arase served the police force meritoriously from 1981 to 2016. During his career, he led tactical, operational, and intelligence units, including United Nations Peacekeeping in Namibia, served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, and as Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs,” Tinubu said.

 

Arase was appointed Inspector-General of Police in 2015, where he instituted far-reaching reforms that redefined the force’s operations. His tenure is remembered for the creation of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), the Complaint Response Unit (CRU), and the Safer Highway Patrols, all of which improved efficiency, accountability, and public trust in the police.

 

 

After retiring from the force in 2016, Arase continued to contribute to public service. He was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and led the Task Force on the implementation of the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Law.

 

His expertise was also sought internationally. He served as a consultant with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the European Centre for Electoral Support, and the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo, as well as a member of the Committee on the Prevention of Torture in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

President Tinubu commended Arase’s enduring commitment to nation-building, noting that his contributions extended far beyond policing.

 

Reflecting on his passing, President Tinubu said:

“I pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of this dedicated security expert, whose experience and contributions will be deeply missed by our nation.”

 

Arase’s death marks the end of an era for Nigerian policing, but his legacy of reforms, professionalism, and public service continues to inspire both serving officers and future generations.