President hails late IGP’s reforms and service to nation
Arase remembered for intelligence-driven policing and international roles
By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, the 18th Inspector-General of Police, who died on Sunday at the age of 69.
In a condolence statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, the President described the late officer as “a highly resourceful officer whose reforms left lasting marks on the nation’s policing system.”
Reflecting on Arase’s 35-year career, President Tinubu said: “Arase served the police force meritoriously from 1981 to 2016. During this time, he led tactical, operational, and intelligence units, including United Nations peacekeeping in Namibia, served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, and as Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs. He was also Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and later Deputy Inspector-General of Police in the Force Criminal Investigation Department.”
Linking his long career to his impact on policing, the President noted: “His leadership gave birth to the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit, and the Safer Highway Patrols — initiatives that changed the face of policing in our country.”
The President also commended Arase’s service after leaving office: “Even after retirement, he continued to serve the nation in various public roles, including as Chairman of the Police Service Commission and as head of the task force implementing the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Law. His expertise was also recognized internationally, as he worked with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the European Centre for Electoral Support, the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo, and as a member of the UN Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva.”
Concluding his tribute, President Tinubu prayed for the repose of Arase’s soul: “I pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of this patriotic officer, whose experience and contributions will be deeply missed by our nation.”
