Former Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase Passes Away, Nation Mourns Loss of a Distinguished Security Icon

Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, whose passing has sent shockwaves across the nation and left the security community in grief. Arase, who served as the 18th Inspector General of Police from April 2015 to June 2016, was widely respected for his professionalism, reformist approach, and deep commitment to national security. His death marks the end of an era for the Nigerian Police Force, as many recall his trailblazing contributions and the indelible mark he left in law enforcement. Reports confirmed that the former police chief died after a brief illness, though official details surrounding the circumstances of his passing are still emerging.

Arase was an officer whose career stood out not only because of his steady rise through the ranks but also for the unique legacy he built as a man of integrity in a challenging institution often criticized for corruption, inefficiency, and human rights abuses. Colleagues, subordinates, and public figures have described his death as a monumental loss, stressing that Nigeria has lost one of its most cerebral, disciplined, and reform-driven police officers. Born on June 21, 1956, in Sapele, Delta State, Arase had an illustrious career that spanned decades, rising from the position of Cadet Inspector in 1981 to the pinnacle of policing as Inspector General. His journey through the force was marked by intelligence, academic brilliance, and a rare commitment to modern policing strategies that sought to bridge the gap between the police and citizens.

During his tenure as IGP, Solomon Arase focused heavily on community policing, crime prevention, and the welfare of officers. He was a strong advocate of intelligence-led policing and frequently emphasized that security agencies must work hand in hand with communities to effectively combat crime. One of his most notable policies was the strengthening of police-community relations to restore public trust at a time when faith in the institution was declining. He also pushed for better human rights practices within the force, urging officers to see themselves not as oppressors but as protectors of the people. His leadership style earned him the admiration of many, even though he had only a short period in office before retirement in 2016.

Tributes have been pouring in from across the country since the news of his death broke. Political leaders, police officers, and citizens alike have taken to social media and public platforms to express their shock and sadness. Many recall his calm disposition, sharp intellect, and ability to listen, qualities that made him one of the most approachable police chiefs in Nigeria’s recent history. Former colleagues described him as a man who combined firmness with fairness, insisting that his leadership was never about intimidation but about responsibility. His passing, they said, has robbed the country of a statesman who still had much to offer in shaping Nigeria’s security architecture.

Beyond his years in service, Arase continued to play a prominent role in public life after retirement. He was appointed chairman of the Police Service Commission in January 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, a position that tasked him with overseeing police appointments, promotions, and disciplinary issues. His appointment was seen as a move to bring credibility to the commission, as many believed he was one of the few retired officers with the moral authority and professional capacity to drive reforms. In that role, he worked tirelessly to ensure merit-based promotions and transparency, a task many acknowledged was never easy given the entrenched interests within the system. His passing leaves the Police Service Commission without one of its most credible leaders in recent years, and there are already concerns about who can step into his shoes.

Education was another pillar of Arase’s remarkable life. He held a degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later earned a Law degree from the University of Benin, where he was called to the Nigerian Bar. He also obtained a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan. His academic achievements fueled his reputation as one of the most educated police chiefs Nigeria has ever had. Unlike many who merely passed through the force, Arase was seen as a scholar of policing, someone who could debate theory as comfortably as he could manage field operations. His books and numerous papers on law enforcement and security issues remain reference points for both academics and practitioners in the field.

Family and close associates are said to be devastated by the news of his death. He was known as a devoted husband and father, deeply protective of his private life, and committed to the welfare of his loved ones. His colleagues often described him as someone who balanced the demands of a tough career with the responsibilities of family, a quality that made him relatable to many officers who often struggled with that balance. Friends and protégés have been recounting personal stories of his mentorship, recalling how he took time to guide younger officers and encourage them to pursue higher education and training.

Nigerians across all walks of life are now reflecting on the irony of losing such a distinguished figure at a time when the country is grappling with worsening security challenges. Banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings continue to plague different regions, and many have argued that the insights and experience of men like Arase are sorely needed to craft solutions. His death, therefore, is not just the loss of an individual but a blow to the country’s ongoing struggle to build a credible, accountable, and professional police force. Analysts say his death should serve as a reminder of the urgent need to continue pushing for reforms in the Nigeria Police Force, something he devoted much of his life to pursuing.

Reactions from top government officials have also been swift. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to issue a formal statement, while governors, senators, and other prominent Nigerians have already begun sending condolences. Social commentators have noted that Arase’s death could serve as a unifying moment for the police institution, which is currently facing both internal and external challenges. They argue that his legacy should be immortalized, either by naming an institution or training program after him, to ensure that future generations of officers draw inspiration from his example.

As the nation mourns, arrangements are being made for his burial, with colleagues and family members assuring the public that details will be announced in due course. Police officers across the country are expected to hold memorial processions and tributes in his honor, while his home state of Edo is already preparing to celebrate him as one of its illustrious sons. His passing leaves a vacuum that will not be easily filled, and for many Nigerians, the grief is not just about the death of a man but about the loss of a symbol of integrity in public service.

Dr. Solomon Arase’s death closes the chapter on a remarkable life of service, scholarship, and leadership. He lived with the conviction that the police could be an institution of honor and that Nigeria deserved a security system that truly served its people. His legacy will live on in the countless officers he mentored, the reforms he championed, and the example of discipline and integrity he set. Nigeria has indeed lost a rare gem, and the mourning that has enveloped the nation is a testament to the profound impact he had on law enforcement and public life. For many, the task now is to ensure that the values he stood for—integrity, professionalism, and service—do not die with him but continue to shape the future of policing in Nigeria.