By Michael AMAJAMA
President Bola Tinubu and some state governors on Sunday condoled with the Nigeria Police Force over the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Ehigiator Arase.
Arase died on Sunday at 69 at an Abuja hospital.
Tinubu in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commiserated with the family, friends and associates of the highly resourceful officer.
According to him, Arase’s reforms as IGP and later as Chairman of the Police Service Commission brought lasting changes to the force.
The president acknowledged the dedication of the former IGP to enhancing security in the country, through initiatives such as the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit, and Safer Highway Patrols.
Reflecting on Arase’s laudable service to the country, Tinubu said, “Arase served the police force meritoriously from 1981 to 2016. During his career, he led tactical, operational, and intelligence units, including United Nations Peacekeeping in Namibia, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, and the Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs.
“He was Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department.
“After retirement, he continued to serve the nation in various public roles, including as Chairman of the Police Service Commission and as head of the Task Force on implementing the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Law.
“His expertise extended to consultancy roles with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the European Centre for Electoral Support, the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo, and as a member of the Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva, Switzerland.”
“I pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of this dedicated security expert, whose experience and contributions will be deeply missed by our nation”.
Also, Governors of Edo and Oyo States in separate condolences described the late Arase as a patriotic and one of the most resourceful IGP Nigeria has ever had.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, said Arase’s contributions to the nation’s security architecture were immeasurable.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo eulogised the late IGP as an illustrious son of Edo State and a dedicated public servant.
“Late Solomon Arase was a patriotic Nigerian whose contributions to the country’s security architecture were immeasurable.
“Dr. Arase was a man of integrity and honour who served our nation with distinction, rising to the pinnacle of his career through sheer hard work and dedication.
“His legacy of service will be remembered for generations. He was a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration to many young police officers and aspiring leaders,” the statement added.
Okpebholo extended his condolences to the Arase family and the Nigeria Police Force, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and for God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on his part described Arase’s death as a huge loss to the nation, noting that he was one of the most resourceful retired police chiefs whose wealth of experience remained invaluable to Nigeria.
The governor recalled his personal relationship with Arase dating back to his tenure as IGP, adding that Oyo State also benefitted greatly from his counsel and expertise.
The Force Headquarters confirmed that Arase died in the early hours of Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun has visited the family of Arase and extended his heartfelt condolences on behalf of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, to the family, friends, and former colleagues of the late IGP Arase.
Egbetokun acknowledged the deep pain of the loss and pray for comfort, strength, and peace for all in this time of grief, while appreciating the contributions of the late Police boss to Police reforms and national security.
“The memory of late IGP Arase will forever remain etched in the heart of the Force and the country he so faithfully served. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Egbetoku said.
