Former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Ehigiator Arase has died at the age of 68.
He reportedly passed away on Sunday at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja.
As of the time of this report, neither his family nor the police has released an official statement confirming the development.
Arase, who served as Nigeria’s 18th inspector-general of oolice, was later appointed chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2023.
However, he was removed from office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2024.
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase had an illustrious career in the Nigeria Police Force, which he joined on December 1, 1981, after graduating with a degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University in 1980.
He later earned a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos.
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During his service, he headed the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the elite intelligence arm of the police.
He also served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence.
Arase was part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia and was a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
He retired from the police on June 21, 2016, after reaching the mandatory retirement age.
Arase is remembered as one of Nigeria’s most cerebral police chiefs, widely respected for his commitment to intelligence-led policing and reforms in the force.
His death marks the passing of one of the country’s most accomplished security chiefs, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and service.
