Features
Late IGP Arase: Police opens condolence register, flies flags at half-mast
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
01 Sep 2025 01:28 PM
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has opened a Condolence Register at the Force Headquarters in Abuja to honor the memory of the late Solomon Ehigiator Arase, the 18th Indigenous Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), who passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the age of 69.
The revered police chief died at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja following a brief illness, as confirmed by his son, Solomon Osabohien Arase Jr.
In a solemn gesture of respect, the NPF has directed that the Police flag be flown at half-mast across all Commands and Formations nationwide, symbolizing the collective mourning of a distinguished officer whose contributions to national security and police reform remain indelible.
The Condolence Register, opened at the Force Headquarters, has seen an outpouring of tributes from senior police officers, staff, and dignitaries, reflecting the profound impact of Arase’s legacy.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, during a condolence visit to the Arase family in Abuja, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Arase as a “man of service whose memory will remain etched in the heart of the Force and the country he so faithfully served.”
Egbetokun highlighted Arase’s transformative initiatives, including the establishment of the Complaint Response Unit, Intelligence Response Team, and Safer Highway Patrols, which significantly enhanced the Force’s operational efficiency and public trust.
Prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu, have also mourned Arase’s passing, with the President noting that his reforms as IGP and PSC Chairman “brought lasting changes to the Force.”
Tinubu commended Arase’s dedication to enhancing security through intelligence-driven policing and community-focused initiatives. Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, described Arase as “a patriotic Nigerian and an illustrious Edo son whose contributions to the country’s security architecture were immeasurable.”
Arase, born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, after earning a degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University. He later obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Law from the University of Benin and University of Lagos, respectively, and a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University.
His illustrious career included key roles such as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, head of the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, and Assistant Inspector-General in charge of intelligence. Appointed IGP in April 2015, he served until his retirement in June 2016 and later as PSC Chairman from January 2023 until June 2024.
Beyond policing, Arase’s legacy extends to his Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), which provided scholarships to indigent students and children of deceased police officers, underscoring his commitment to education and social good.
Former IGPs, including Sir Mike Okiro and Ogbonna Onovo, visited Arase’s Maitama residence to pay their respects, with Okiro writing in the Condolence Register, “We lost a gem. We lost a wonderful patriot.”
As sympathizers continue to troop to the Force Headquarters and Arase’s residence, the NPF has called for prayers and support for the late IGP’s family, friends, and colleagues.
The Force has assured that details of his burial arrangements will be announced in due course, as the nation reflects on the enduring contributions of a reformist and dedicated public servant.
The passing of IGP Solomon Arase marks a significant loss to Nigeria’s security landscape, but his vision for a professional, accountable, and community-oriented police force continues to inspire.
The revered police chief died at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja following a brief illness, as confirmed by his son, Solomon Osabohien Arase Jr.
In a solemn gesture of respect, the NPF has directed that the Police flag be flown at half-mast across all Commands and Formations nationwide, symbolizing the collective mourning of a distinguished officer whose contributions to national security and police reform remain indelible.
The Condolence Register, opened at the Force Headquarters, has seen an outpouring of tributes from senior police officers, staff, and dignitaries, reflecting the profound impact of Arase’s legacy.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, during a condolence visit to the Arase family in Abuja, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Arase as a “man of service whose memory will remain etched in the heart of the Force and the country he so faithfully served.”
Egbetokun highlighted Arase’s transformative initiatives, including the establishment of the Complaint Response Unit, Intelligence Response Team, and Safer Highway Patrols, which significantly enhanced the Force’s operational efficiency and public trust.
Prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu, have also mourned Arase’s passing, with the President noting that his reforms as IGP and PSC Chairman “brought lasting changes to the Force.”
Tinubu commended Arase’s dedication to enhancing security through intelligence-driven policing and community-focused initiatives. Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, described Arase as “a patriotic Nigerian and an illustrious Edo son whose contributions to the country’s security architecture were immeasurable.”
Arase, born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, after earning a degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University. He later obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Law from the University of Benin and University of Lagos, respectively, and a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University.
His illustrious career included key roles such as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, head of the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, and Assistant Inspector-General in charge of intelligence. Appointed IGP in April 2015, he served until his retirement in June 2016 and later as PSC Chairman from January 2023 until June 2024.
Beyond policing, Arase’s legacy extends to his Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), which provided scholarships to indigent students and children of deceased police officers, underscoring his commitment to education and social good.
Former IGPs, including Sir Mike Okiro and Ogbonna Onovo, visited Arase’s Maitama residence to pay their respects, with Okiro writing in the Condolence Register, “We lost a gem. We lost a wonderful patriot.”
As sympathizers continue to troop to the Force Headquarters and Arase’s residence, the NPF has called for prayers and support for the late IGP’s family, friends, and colleagues.
The Force has assured that details of his burial arrangements will be announced in due course, as the nation reflects on the enduring contributions of a reformist and dedicated public servant.
The passing of IGP Solomon Arase marks a significant loss to Nigeria’s security landscape, but his vision for a professional, accountable, and community-oriented police force continues to inspire.
Comments