Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has passed away at the age of 69.
A family source and the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident on Sunday.
Arase died on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedar Crest Hospital in Abuja, after a brief illness.
Arase was born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
He studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, graduating in 1980, and joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981.
He later earned a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos.
Arase served as Chairman of the Police Service Commission from January 2023 to June 2024, bringing his wealth of experience to the role.
He was appointed Inspector-General of Police in April 2015, serving until his retirement in June 2016.
During his tenure, he introduced key initiatives such as the Intelligence Response Team and Safer Highway Patrols.
Before becoming IGP, Arase headed the police force’s top intelligence unit, showcasing his expertise in investigation and intelligence gathering.
Arase was widely respected for his dedication to police welfare and reform-driven leadership.
His contributions to national security and police reform continue to resonate within the Force and beyond.
Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, he supported academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students.
President Bola Tinubu,paid tribute to Arase, acknowledging his dedication to enhancing security in the country through initiatives such as the Intelligence Response Team and Safer Highway Patrols.
The Nigeria Police Force mourned Arase’s death, with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, extending heartfelt condolences to the family.
