Nigeria has lost one of its most respected security figures as former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Ehigiator Arase has died at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja.
Arase, who served as the 18th IGP of the Nigeria Police Force, later became Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), where he continued his efforts to reform the country’s policing system.
Before attaining the highest office in the Force, Arase headed the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the apex intelligence arm of the police.
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, he earned a degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University in 1980 before joining the Nigeria Police on December 1, 1981. He furthered his education with a Law degree from the University of Benin and later obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos.
During his illustrious career, Arase held numerous strategic positions, including serving as Principal Staff Officer to former IGPs, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence. He also represented Nigeria in Namibia on a United Nations peacekeeping assignment and was honored as a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
After reaching the statutory retirement age, he exited the Force on June 21, 2016. In January 2023, he was appointed Chairman of the PSC by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, a position he held until June 2024.
Arase was highly regarded for his reform-oriented leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of police officers. His tenure saw the creation of key initiatives such as the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit to address misconduct, and the Safer Highway Patrols, which enhanced the safety of travelers nationwide. Even after retirement, he remained a vocal advocate for policing reforms, particularly in strengthening election security and promoting neutrality within the Force.
Outside policing, he was deeply passionate about education, youth development, and social progress. Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), he consistently promoted academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding students, especially children of late police officers and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In 2025, SEAF provided scholarships to 29 students across fields such as Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Criminology, Political Science, and Business Administration. According to the Foundation, the initiative was more than financial support, it was an investment in the nation’s future leaders and a demonstration of Arase’s enduring values of integrity, service, and excellence.
This year’s scholarship ceremony was marked by messages of hope, with calls for continued dedication to education and empowerment, particularly for underserved groups.
Arase is celebrated as a principled reformer, patriot, and visionary leader who left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security landscape and its wider development.
What you should know
Solomon Ehigiator Arase (1956–2025) was Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police and later Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
He was widely respected for championing police welfare, reform, and education.
His legacy continues through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, which empowers young Nigerians with scholarships, reflecting his lifelong dedication to service, integrity, and national development.
