By Vincent Egunyanga and Cross Udo, with agency report
Nigeria on Sunday lost one of its most distinguished police officers and reform-minded leaders, Dr Solomon Arase (CFR), the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, who died at Cedar Crest Hospital, Abuja, at the age of 69.
His passing, confirmed by his family, has thrown the nation into mourning, with President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ex-IGP Mike Okiro, the Publisher of ThisNigeria newspaper, Mr Eric Osagie, and other Nigerians paying glowing tributes to a man widely regarded as a scholar in uniform and one of the finest officers of his generation.
*Tinubu, other Nigerians mourn exit of former IGP
President Bola Tinubu, in a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Arase as “a resourceful officer whose reforms continue to define the operational outlook of the Nigerian Police.”
Tinubu said, “Arase served the police force meritoriously from 1981 to 2016. He led tactical, operational, and intelligence units, including UN Peacekeeping in Namibia, served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, and as Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs.
“He was AIG in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau, DIG at the Criminal Investigation Department, and Inspector-General of Police.
“Even in retirement, he continued to serve Nigeria in critical roles, as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), head of the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Task Force, and consultant to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the European Centre for Electoral Support, and the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo.
“His expertise extended beyond our borders, and his contributions to the Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva showed the global demand for his intellect and professionalism. Nigeria has lost a patriot whose experience will be deeply missed.”
*Egbetokun: A mentor and reformer
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, personally visited the family of the late Arase in Abuja to console them.
According to a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the I-G conveyed his condolences to the family, friends, and former colleagues, acknowledging the profound loss and praying for comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Adejobi stated, “The Inspector-General of Police commiserates with the family, friends, and colleagues of the late former IGP, Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, whose sad demise occurred today, August 31 2025. The IGP, who personally visited the family, prayed for the repose of the soul of the late IGP and strength for the family to bear the irreparable loss.
“The IGP noted the immense contributions of Dr. Solomon Arase to policing in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of reforms and welfare of officers, and described his death as a monumental loss to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation at large.
“The news of his passing was officially communicated to the Inspector-General of Police by his eldest son, Mr Solomon Arase Jr.”
*Okiro: He died when his services were needed the most
Former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro, who himself led the Force between 2007 and 2009, expressed deep sadness, describing Arase’s death as “a major blow to Nigeria.”
Speaking with ThisNigeria on Sunday, Okiro said, “We have lost somebody devoted to Nigeria. Arase died when his services were needed the most. With insecurity still ravaging the country, he would have remained a voice of guidance and strategy for both the government and the Police.
“Beyond his academic brilliance and international exposure, Arase was deeply respected for his patriotism and humanity. Nigeria has missed a patriot.”
*Eric Osagie: A detribalised Nigerian, best IGP in recent memory
Publisher of ThisNigeria, Mr. Eric Osagie, in his tribute, said, “Dr Solomon Arase was a detribalised Nigerian and arguably the best IGP in recent memory. His life and career symbolised uncommon professionalism, integrity, and deep commitment to national unity.
“He was one of those rare officers who rose above ethnic, religious, or sectional sentiments. In every assignment he undertook, Arase carried the Nigerian identity with pride, ensuring justice and fairness were the guiding lights of his policing philosophy.
“During his tenure as Inspector General of Police, he championed reforms aimed at modernising the Force, enhancing welfare, and restoring public confidence. He was deliberate about changing the perception of the police in the eyes of Nigerians. His legacy of intelligence-led policing and community engagement remains a model that subsequent generations should emulate.
“Arase’s exit has left an enormous vacuum, not only in the security architecture of Nigeria but also in the hearts of all who knew him. He was humane, approachable, and visionary — the very definition of a detribalised patriot.
“I urge the government to immortalise his name as a way of honouring his distinguished service to the nation.”
*A scholar in uniform
Born on June 21, 1956, in Edo State, Arase joined the Nigeria Police in 1981 after earning a degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University.
He later bagged an LL.B from the University of Benin, an LL.M in Corporate Management and Finance Law from Lagos State University, and a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan. He was also a Fellow of the National Defence College (FDC) and a recipient of the National Police Medal (NPM).
Arase served as Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs, headed the Force Intelligence Bureau, and was part of Nigeria’s contingent to the UN Mission in Namibia.
He was appointed Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 by President Goodluck Jonathan and served until June 2016, during which he introduced reforms in intelligence-led policing, police welfare, and community engagement.
After retirement, Arase remained a key figure in national and international security policy. In January 2023, President Tinubu appointed him Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), a role he held until June 2024.
He also chaired the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Task Force and served as adviser to global institutions on policing, law enforcement, and human rights.
Arase’s passing comes at a time when Nigeria is facing heightened security challenges — terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and cybercrime. Analysts argue that his blend of field experience, academic depth, and reformist zeal was still needed to shape national discourse on security.
As the tributes show, his death is not just the loss of a retired police officer but the departure of a national asset — a man who stood for reform, unity, and professionalism in a system often defined by the opposite.
For many, the words of ex-IGP Mike Okiro capture the national mood: “He died when his services were needed the most.”
