President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who died on Sunday at the age of 69.
In a condolence message, the President described Arase as a highly resourceful officer whose reforms left a lasting mark on the Nigeria Police Force.
He noted that the late IGP’s leadership, particularly as head of the Police Service Commission, brought meaningful changes to the policing system.
“Arase served the police force meritoriously from 1981 to 2016,” President Tinubu said, recalling his outstanding record in tactical, operational, and intelligence roles. These included service in United Nations peacekeeping operations in Namibia, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, and Principal Staff Officer to three former IGPs.
He also rose through the ranks to become Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and later Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department.
The president noted that beyond active service, Arase continued to contribute to national and international security. He chaired the Police Service Commission, led the Edo State Task Force on the Anti-Community Development Association Law, and worked as a consultant with the Office of the National Security Adviser, 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 in a statement issued by his Special adviser on information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga commiserated with Arase’s family, friends, associates, and the entire Nigeria Police Force, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
“His experience and contributions will be deeply missed by our nation,” the President said.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
