By: Aremu Toyeebaht
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Ehigiator Arase, describing him as a highly resourceful officer whose reforms left lasting impact on the Nigeria Police Force.
In a condolence message to the Nigeria Police Force, as well as Arase’s family, friends and associates, the President praised the late IGP’s dedication to enhancing security in the country through initiatives such as the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit, and Safer Highway Patrols.
“Arase served the Nigeria Police Force meritoriously from 1981 to 2016, leading tactical, operational, and intelligence units, including United Nations Peacekeeping in Namibia. He was Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs, Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau, and Deputy Inspector-General of Police at the Force Criminal Investigation Department,” the President noted.
Beyond his years in uniform, Arase continued to contribute to national development, serving as Chairman of the Police Service Commission and head of the Edo State Task Force on the implementation of the Anti-Community Development Association Law. He also took on consultancy and advisory roles with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the European Centre for Electoral Support, the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo, and the United Nations Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva.
President Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of Arase’s soul, describing him as a patriotic security expert whose wealth of experience and contributions to nation-building will be deeply missed.
