Nigeria is in mourning following the death of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, a former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and ex-Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), according to Radio Sapientia 95.3 FM. Arase passed away on August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness, aged 69. His death has been confirmed by both his family and the Nigeria Police Force.
Arase, who served as Nigeria’s 18th indigenous IGP from April 2015 to June 2016, was widely recognized for implementing significant reforms within the police force. Notably, he established the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to tackle high-profile crimes and the Complaints Response Unit (CRU) to address public grievances against police misconduct. He also issued a directive banning officers from searching citizens’ phones, aiming to safeguard civil liberties. After his retirement, he continued to contribute to public service, including chairing the Police Service Commission until 2024.
President Bola Tinubu led the tributes, describing Arase as “a loyal, disciplined, and professional officer who served Nigeria with distinction”. President Tinubu highlighted Arase’s distinguished career, which spanned from 1981 to 2016, encompassing various leadership roles within tactical, operational, and intelligence units, as well as a peacekeeping mission in Namibia. The President acknowledged Arase’s lasting impact through his reforms, which strengthened operational efficiency and improved police-citizen relations.
The current Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also mourned his predecessor, calling his death a “huge loss to the police family and the nation”. Egbetokun praised Arase as a reform-driven officer whose contributions to policing and national security were immeasurable. He extended heartfelt condolences to the family on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force and acknowledged the deep pain of this loss, praying for comfort and strength during this difficult time.
The Nigeria Police Force has indicated that appropriate arrangements are underway to honor the memory of the late IGP Arase. The family has requested privacy and prayers as burial plans are being finalized.