President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, Nigeria’s 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police who passed away, Sunday, at the age of 69.
In a condolence message issued by his special adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commiserated with the Nigeria Police Force, as well as the family, friends and associates of the late security chief, describing him as a “highly resourceful officer” whose legacy of reforms left an enduring impact on the nation’s policing system.
President Tinubu paid tribute to Arase’s years of service, recalling his distinguished career that spanned from 1981 to 2016.
“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, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, and the Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs,” the President noted.
The late police chief, who was appointed Inspector-General of Police in 2015, is remembered for instituting far-reaching reforms that significantly shaped the force.
Among his contributions were the establishment of the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit, and the Safer Highway Patrols, initiatives that strengthened operational efficiency and improved relations between citizens and the police.
Arase was appointed chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and also led the Task Force on the implementation of the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Law.
His expertise was further sought at the international level, where he served 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, as well as a member of the Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva, Switzerland.
“After retirement, he continued to serve the nation in various public roles, including as Chairman of the Police Service Commission and as head of the Task Force on implementing the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Law.
“His expertise extended to consultancy roles with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), 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,” he said.
Reflecting on the weight of 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.”