10 things to know about late Solomon Arase, former IGP

Solomon Ehigiator Arase was a distinguished Nigerian police officer, lawyer, and security consultant.

He served as the 18th Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and Chairman of the Nigeria Police Commission until his passing in Abuja on August 31, 2025.

His life and career reflected decades of service, both at home and abroad.

Here are 10 vital facts to know about him;

1. Birth

He was born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria.

2. Education

Arase studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, graduating in 1980.

He later obtained a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos.

3. Entry into the Police Force

He joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, starting a career that spanned more than 30 years.

4. Early Roles in the Force

Arase served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and as Principal Secretary to former IGP Tafa Balogun during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

5. Intelligence leadership

Before becoming IGP, he headed the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the Police’s top intelligence unit.

6. Inspector-General of Police

In April 2015, he became the 18th Inspector-General of Police, succeeding Suleiman Abba.

He retired from the Force on June 21, 2016, and was succeeded by Ibrahim Kpotun Idris.

7. Achievements

One of the defining moments of his time as IGP was the Agatu massacre in Benue State, where he was directed by then-President Goodluck Jonathan to assess the aftermath of the violence.

8. International Service

Arase was a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy and served in Namibia during a United Nations peacekeeping operation.

9. Post-Retirement activities

Following retirement, he pursued legal practice, public speaking, and security consultancy.

He worked with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the European Centre for Electoral Support, and the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo.

He also contributed to the UN Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva.

10. Awards

Arase received the National Police Medal in 2013 and was honored in October 2022 with the title of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).

In January 2023, he was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission, a role he held until his death.