Police
Former Inspector-General of Police Solomon Arase has passed away at the age of 69, according to reports. He died on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja. Arase served as Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police from April 2015 to June 2016, when he retired upon reaching the mandatory age of 60.
Arase had a distinguished career in the Nigeria Police Force, rising through the ranks to hold several key positions. He headed the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the police force’s top intelligence unit, and served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence. He also participated in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia and was a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
After his retirement, Arase continued to serve the nation in various capacities. He was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission in January 2023 by President Muhammadu Buhari but was removed from the role in June 2024 by President Bola Tinubu. During his tenure as PSC Chairman, he oversaw recruitment processes and disciplinary actions within the Nigeria Police Force.
Arase’s legacy in the police force is marked by several notable achievements. He introduced reforms that catapulted the force into an enviable forte, including the establishment of the Intelligence Response Team to combat high-profile crimes and the Complaint Response Unit to address police misconduct. He also implemented community policing initiatives and strengthened the capacity of police officers in forensic investigation and intelligence gathering.
As news of his death spreads, tributes are expected from government officials and colleagues. Funeral arrangements will be announced by his family in the coming days. Arase’s passing marks the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected police chiefs, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come
Source -The Nation
