The Nigeria Police Force has announced the death of a former Inspector-General of Police and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, IGP Solomon Ehigiator Arase (Rtd.), who passed away in the early hours of Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness. He was 69.
In a statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the memory of late IGP Arase “will forever remain etched in the heart of the Force and the country he so faithfully served.”
Arase, born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, joined the Force on December 1, 1981. A highly decorated officer, he rose through the ranks to become the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police in April 2015, before retiring in June 2016. He later served as Chairman of the Police Service Commission between January 2023 and June 2024.
During his distinguished career, he held several key positions including Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), and Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID). He was also a Fellow of the Defence College and a member of the Body of Benchers.
Arase introduced landmark reforms as IGP, notably the establishment of the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) to address public grievances and protect citizens’ rights.
Beyond service, he promoted academic excellence through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), which awarded scholarships to children of fallen police officers and indigent students.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Sunday paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Arase in Abuja. He described his passing as “a painful loss to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation,” while commending his immense contributions to police reforms and national security.
