The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has been thrown into mourning following the death of its former Inspector-General of Police and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Solomon Ehigiator Arase.

Naijaonpoint reports that Arase passed away in the early hours of Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the development in a statement from the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

He disclosed that the current Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, received the sad news through Arase’s first son, Mr. Solomon Osabohien Arase.

“The Nigeria Police Force is deeply saddened by the passing of the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, IGP Solomon Ehigiator Arase (Rtd.), who served the nation with pride and honour,” Adejobi said.

“Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase earned his first degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before obtaining a Law degree from the University of Benin, a Master’s in Law from the University of Lagos, and a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

“He joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, and rose through the ranks, serving in several key capacities. These included Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs between 2002 and 2008, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer AIG of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and DIG in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department.

“Arase was appointed as the 18th indigenous IGP in April 2015, serving until his retirement in June 2016. In January 2023, he was named Chairman of the Police Service Commission by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, a position he held until June 2024,” the force statement reads.

Naijaonpoint understands that the deceased was also a Fellow of the National Defence College and a member of the prestigious Body of Benchers.

During his tenure as IGP, Arase introduced major reforms, including the establishment of the Complaint Response Unit, designed to ensure swift responses to public complaints and the protection of citizens’ rights.

“IGP Arase exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and leadership. His contributions to national security and police reform continue to resonate within the Force and beyond,” the Police statement read.

“Beyond policing, he founded the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), which provided scholarships for indigent students and children of deceased police officers.”

On a condolence visit to the family in Abuja, IGP Egbetokun described the late Arase as “a man of service whose memory will remain etched in the heart of the Force and the country he so faithfully served.”

He added, “On behalf of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, I extend heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and former colleagues of the late IGP Arase. We acknowledge the deep pain of this loss and pray for comfort, strength, and peace for all in this time of grief.”

The passing of IGP Arase, who many remember as a reform-driven police chief, marks the end of a remarkable era in the Force. His death, police authorities said, is not just a personal loss to his family but a collective tragedy for Nigeria.

“May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the police prayed.