Former IGP Solomon Arase Passes Away at 69

The Nation is in mourning as former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Ehigiator Arase, has died at the age of 69. According to reports, Arase passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.

Arase’s career in law enforcement spanned several decades, during which he held various key positions, including Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Intelligence.

He served as the 18th Inspector-General of Police from 2015 to 2016, implementing landmark initiatives such as the Intelligence Response Team, Complaints Response Unit, and Safer Highway Patrols.

After retiring from the police force, Arase continued to serve the nation as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) from January 2023 to June 2024.

He championed police welfare and reforms, leaving a lasting impact on Nigeria’s security and development landscape.

Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, he awarded scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, demonstrating his commitment to education and youth empowerment.

Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University and later earned a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos.

He joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, and rose through the ranks to become one of the most respected figures in Nigerian law enforcement.

The news of Arase’s passing has generated an outpouring of tributes and condolences from Nigerians, who remember him as a principled leader, reformer, and patriot.

His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of law enforcement officers and Nigerians alike.

As the Nation mourns his passing, we reflect on his remarkable life and career, celebrating his contributions to our Country’s security and development.