Nigeria is mourning the passing of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who died on Sunday at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, aged 69.
Tributes have poured in from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, state governors, and other prominent Nigerians, who hailed his legacy as a reformist, intellectual, and patriot.
Tinubu: “A Dedicated Security Expert”
In a statement by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Arase as “a highly resourceful officer” whose innovations transformed policing in Nigeria.
“Arase served the Nigeria Police Force with distinction from 1981 to 2016, leading tactical, operational, and intelligence units, including a United Nations Peacekeeping mission in Namibia.
As IGP, he introduced far-reaching reforms such as the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit, and Safer Highway Patrols,” Tinubu said.
The President praised Arase’s post-retirement service, including his role as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, head of the Edo State Anti-CDA Task Force, and consultant to international institutions. “I pray for the peaceful repose of his soul. His experience and contributions will be deeply missed by our nation,” he added.
Tinubu also condoled with Catholics in Nsukka Diocese over the passing of Bishop Francis Emmanuel Okobo, the diocese’s pioneer bishop, who died at 88.
IGP Egbetokun: “A Life of Honour and Service”
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, described Arase’s death as “not just the end of a chapter, but a collective mourning for a man who served with pride and honour.”
He noted that through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), the late IGP supported education by awarding scholarships to children of deceased police officers and underprivileged students.
During a condolence visit to the family in Abuja, Egbetokun conveyed the force’s sympathy, praying for “comfort, strength, and peace” for all grieving his loss.
Makinde: “A Brother and Mentor”
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described Arase’s death as a “massive loss” to Nigeria. He recalled their personal relationship dating back to Arase’s days as IGP and noted that Oyo State benefited immensely from his counsel on security matters.
“Arase was one of the finest police officers of his generation. His death leaves a vacuum in the security sector. May God grant him eternal rest and give his family fortitude to bear the loss,” Makinde said.
Obaseki: “An Edo Icon”
Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki hailed Arase as “a man of deep humanity, humble yet brilliant, firm yet compassionate.”
He noted that Arase made history as the first Edo son to rise to the exalted position of IGP and carried the office with “integrity, courage, and professionalism.”
“In retirement, he continued to serve with wisdom and dedication, particularly in restoring sanity to land administration as chairman of the Edo State Private Property Protection Committee. His passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt across Nigeria,” Obaseki said.
A Distinguished Career
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West LGA of Edo State, Arase joined the police on December 1, 1981, and retired on June 21, 2016, after reaching the statutory retirement age of 60.
He was a graduate of Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, held a Law degree from the University of Benin, and earned a Master’s from the University of Lagos.
As IGP (2015–2016), Arase championed reforms to modernize the police, improve accountability, and strengthen community trust. In January 2023, former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him Chairman of the Police Service Commission, a role he held until June 2024.
Arase is remembered as a reform-driven leader who balanced discipline with compassion, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, scholarship, and service to country.
