President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 69.
In a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended condolences to the Nigeria Police Force, as well as to Arase’s family, friends, and associates.
The President described Arase as a “highly resourceful officer” whose dedication to national security left a lasting legacy. He highlighted Arase’s reforms as Inspector-General and later as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, noting his role in establishing the Intelligence Response Team, Complaint Response Unit, and Safer Highway Patrols.
“Arase served meritoriously from 1981 to 2016,” Tinubu recalled, commending his decades-long career in tactical, operational, and intelligence leadership, including United Nations Peacekeeping in Namibia and as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State.
He also served as Principal Staff Officer to three Inspectors-General, Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and Deputy Inspector-General of Police (CID).
Following retirement, Arase remained active in national service, chairing the Police Service Commission and the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Task Force. He also offered expertise to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the European Centre for Electoral Support, and the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo, as well as serving on the UN Committee on the Prevention of Torture in Geneva.
Tinubu offered prayers for Arase’s peaceful repose, acknowledging the great void his passing leaves in Nigeria’s security sector.
“I pray for the peaceful repose of this dedicated security expert, whose experience and contributions will be deeply missed by our nation,” he said.
