Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Ehigiator Arase has reportedly died. According to a report by SaharaReporters, the former police chief passed away at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from his family, close associates, or the Nigeria Police Force.
Arase, who served as Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police, was appointed to the top position in April 2015 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan. He succeeded Suleiman Abba and remained in office until June 2016 when he retired from the Force after attaining the mandatory service age.
Following his retirement, Arase continued to play active roles in public service. In January 2023, under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, he was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC). His appointment was widely welcomed due to his reputation as a reform-driven officer. However, he was relieved of the position in June 2024 by President Bola Tinubu.
A seasoned police officer with decades of experience, Arase was widely regarded as one of the Force’s most cerebral and professionally grounded leaders. He once headed the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (CIIB), the police’s foremost intelligence unit, and also served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State.
Beyond Nigeria, he contributed to international peace and security through his participation in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia.
Born on June 21, 1956, Arase was an alumnus of the University of Benin where he studied Political Science, and later obtained a law degree from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. He was also called to the Nigerian Bar after completing his legal studies at the Nigerian Law School. His academic background enriched his approach to policing, especially in intelligence, legal frameworks, and reforms.
His passing, if confirmed, would mark the end of a distinguished career in law enforcement and public service, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and reform-oriented leadership.
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