Solomon Ehigiator Arase, Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and a key figure in police reform, has died at a hospital in Abuja.
He was 69 years old.
Arase, who was also the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) from January 2023 to June 2024, had a long and distinguished career.
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Before he was appointed IGP, he led the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau. A native of Edo State, Arase joined the police force in 1981 after earning a degree in political science from Ahmadu Bello University.
He later pursued further education, obtaining a law degree from the University of Benin and a master’s from the University of Lagos.
Throughout his career, Arase held various strategic roles, including serving as Principal Staff Officer to former IGPs, and Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State.
He also contributed to international peacekeeping efforts in Namibia as part of a United Nations mission. He retired from the force in June 2016 upon reaching the statutory retirement age.
Known for his commitment to improving the police force, Arase implemented several key reforms. He established the Intelligence Response Team and the Complaint Response Unit to combat police misconduct.
Additionally, he launched Safer Highway Patrols to enhance security for travellers. Even after his retirement, Arase continued to advocate for reforms, particularly in the area of election security.
Beyond his professional life, Arase was dedicated to education and social impact through his foundation, the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF).
The foundation provides scholarships to deserving students, with a special focus on the children of deceased police officers and students from underprivileged communities.
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In 2025, SEAF awarded scholarships to 29 students across various academic fields, including medicine, engineering, and criminology.
He is being remembered as a dedicated leader and patriot who significantly impacted Nigeria’s security and development.
