The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the death of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, a former Inspector-General of Police, who passed away on August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.
>Arase, who was 69 years old, served as the 18th Indigenous Inspector-General of Police from April 2015 to June 2016 before retiring from active service.
Nigeria Police Confirmed the News
Former Inspector-General of Police Solomon Ehigiator Arase passed away on August 31, 2025, at approximately 9 a.m. at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness. This was confirmed by his son, Solomon Arase Jr. The Nigeria Police Force described his death as a great loss to the security sector, noting his contributions to national safety, policing reforms, and human rights-focused strategies.
The Nigeria Police Force, through its PRO DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, publicly mourned his passing.
His Role in the Nigeria Police
He joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981.
>And held key roles: Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, AIG in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and DIG in the Force Criminal Investigation Department. Arese participated in a UN peacekeeping mission in Namibia. He was appointed as Inspector-General of Police (IGP) in April 2015 and served until June 21, 2016. After which he was appointed as Chairman of the Police Service Commission in January 2023 and served until June 2024.
Legacy and Impact
Introduced reform initiatives. Police Complaints Response Unit, Intelligence Response Team, ban on searching citizens’ phones, community policing push, and welfare programs for officers.
Beyond policing, Arase founded the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, which awarded scholarships to children of fallen officers and underprivileged students. His dedication to reform, accountability, and education left a lasting mark on Nigeria’s security sector.
President Tinubu, in his tribute, praised his contributions to law enforcement and his reform agenda.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun led police delegations to his family, describing him as a “fearless reformer and mentor.”
Civil society leaders and ex-IGPs acknowledged his role as a bridge-builder and advocate for police professionalism.
