Tinubu Mourns Ex-IGP Arase, Laud His Lasting Impact on Police Reforms

By Lizzy Chirkpi

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, describing him as a “highly resourceful officer” whose contributions to Nigeria’s security architecture will remain enduring.

Arase, the 18th indigenous IGP, died on Sunday at the age of 69.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended condolences to the Nigeria Police Force, the family, friends, and associates of the late security chief.

“Arase’s reforms as IGP and later as Chairman of the Police Service Commission brought lasting changes to the force,” the statement read.

President Tinubu praised the late IGP’s dedication to enhancing national security, citing initiatives such as the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit, and Safer Highway Patrols as part of his legacy.

“Arase served the police force meritoriously from 1981 to 2016,” the President recalled. “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.

“He was Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau and later Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department.”

After his retirement, Arase continued to contribute to national development, serving as Chairman of the Police Service Commission and leading the Task Force on implementing the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Law.

His expertise also extended to consultancy roles with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the European Centre for Electoral Support, the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo, and as a member of the Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva, Switzerland.

“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,” Tinubu said.