The Nigeria Police Force has solemn Guard of Honour Parade in Abuja to honour its former Inspector-General, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase (rtd), who passed away on August 31, 2025, at the age of 69.
The farewell event, held at the Nigeria Police Force Hangar in Abuja, was led by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who described the late Arase as one of the finest officers that ever served the Nigerian Police Force and a man whose legacy would endure across generations.
Addressing senior officers, family members, and dignitaries, Egbetokun said, “Today we assemble in solemn duty and deep respect as we bid farewell to our former Inspector-General of Police. This is our last salute to a man who devoted his entire life to public service through a distinguished career in the Nigerian Police Force.
His journey to the peak was not accidental, it was a culmination of excellent service, dedication, and discipline.”
The IGP noted that the late police chief, enlisted in 1981, served in strategic commands, including as DPO in Benin City, district commander in Namibia under the United Nations mission, and Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of CID in Lagos.
He was also Commissioner of Police in the ICT Department and Akwa Ibom Command, AIG Intelligence, and later DIG Criminal Investigation Department before his appointment as the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police in April 2015.
“While he was IGP, he steered the Nigerian Police Force with intellect, courage, and ambition. His reforms emphasised professionalism, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.
He believed that effective policing required not just the strength of arms but also the strength of character and compassion,” Egbetokun said.
He further recalled that Arase, even after retirement, continued his service to the nation as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), where “he approached oversight with the same candour and vision that defined his policing career.”
Egbetokun further said, “We do not just mourn the departure of a former Inspector-General of Police; we celebrate a legacy.
His life teaches us that every career will end, every tenure will end, but the impact of true service will endure across generations. Farewell, our former Inspector-General of Police. Farewell, our former Chairman of the Police Service Commission. May your beautiful soul rest in peace.”
Earlier, former Department of State Services (DSS) spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar, in her tribute, described Arase as a quintessential gentleman whose humility and accessibility distinguished him from many of his peers.
Retired Commissioner of Police, Lawrence Alobi, in his tribute said Arase’s legacy as a reformist and visionary leader would remain evergreen.
“Arase was humble, innovative, and creative. He came with a purpose to reform the police and he did.
Late Arase was Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University before joining the Nigeria Police in December 1981.
He later earned a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos.
During his tenure as IGP, Arase introduced landmark reforms, including the establishment of the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit to address police misconduct, and Safer Highway Patrols that boosted traveler security nationwide.
His leadership was defined by a focus on professionalism, accountability, and police welfare.
After retiring in 2016, he was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission in January 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, a position he held until June 2024.
Arase was also a fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy and represented Nigeria in several international policing assignments, including peacekeeping operations.
Arase is survived by his wife, children, and extended family”. Alobi said.