NAOSNP Mourns Former IGP Solomon Arase, Describes Him as a True Patriot

NAOSNP Mourns Former IGP Solomon Arase, Describes Him as a True Patriot

The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) has joined Nigerians in mourning the death of former Inspector-General of Police and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the age of 69.

In a condolence statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Eric Elezuo, the Association’s National President, Comrade Oki O. Samson, described Arase as a consummate professional, a patriot, and a friend of the media who left indelible marks in Nigeria’s policing and national security landscape.

“Arase proved himself in policing, administration, and intelligence. He was a fatherly figure with a friendly disposition to members of the media, of which we, as an Association, benefitted immensely. His unwavering support for our annual security conference and awards was overwhelming and cannot be forgotten,” the statement read.

The NAOSNP added that the late former IGP would be remembered as a “gallant and brilliant cop with exceptional acumen in crime detection and eradication,” while commiserating with his family, the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Service Commission, and the wider security community.

Arase, born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, had an illustrious 35-year career in the Nigeria Police Force. He joined the service on December 1, 1981, after graduating in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He later obtained degrees in Law from the University of Benin and the University of Lagos, and capped his academic pursuits with a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

Over the course of his career, Arase served in several strategic roles, including Principal Staff Officer to three successive IGPs (2002–2008), Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and Deputy Inspector-General of the Force Criminal Investigation Department.

He was appointed the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and retired in June 2016. In January 2023, former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, a role he held until June 2024.

Arase’s tenure as IGP was marked by notable reforms, including the establishment of the Complaint Response Unit, designed to ensure swift handling of public complaints and protection of citizens’ rights.

Beyond policing, he founded the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), which awarded scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with a focus on children of fallen police officers and indigent students.

The Force PRO, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, also paid tribute, noting that Arase’s contributions to security reforms and his legacy of professionalism “continue to resonate within the Force and beyond.”

NAOSNP and other stakeholders have urged Nigerians to remember Arase not only as a distinguished officer but also as a patriot who devoted his life to service, justice, and the protection of citizens.