A Look At Few Things To Know About Late Former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase passed away on Sunday.

Arase left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s policing and security landscape.

The news of his death was confirmed by his family in a statement on Sunday.

He died at age 69 after an undisclosed illness at Cedercrest Hospital, Abuja, on Sunday

Below are a few things to know about him;

• Arase was born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State, and grew up in a family that valued education and discipline
• He studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, graduating in 1980, laying the foundation for his career in public service.
•  He later earned a Law degree from the University of Benin, enhancing his understanding of legal and civil frameworks.
• He also obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos, further strengthening his academic and professional credentials.
• He completed advanced studies at the National Defence College, combining academic excellence with strategic and professional police training.
• Arase was recruited into the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, marking the beginning of a distinguished law enforcement career.
• He served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and Assistant Inspector-General in charge of intelligence, overseeing critical security operations.
• Arase participated in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia, gaining international experience in law enforcement and security.
• He was a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy, reflecting his dedication to professional development and strategic leadership.
• Arase was appointed Inspector-General of Police in April 2015, taking charge of the nation’s top policing body.
• He introduced reforms, including the Police Complaints Response Unit to address misconduct and improve public trust in the police.
• He created the Intelligence Response Team to manage high-profile crimes and enhance operational efficiency.
• He issued a directive banning officers from searching citizens’ phones, strengthening civil liberties and human rights.
• He advocated for forensic development, community policing, and improved welfare for rank-and-file officers, modernising Nigeria’s policing approach.
• He chaired a task force in Edo State enforcing anti-Community Development Association laws, ensuring accountability and compliance in local governance.
• Arase was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission in January 2023, serving until June 2024, promoting merit and transparency in the Force.
• He promoted merit-based recruitment and transparency, aiming to professionalise and depoliticise police appointments and promotions.
• The deceased founded the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, providing scholarships in medicine, engineering, security studies, and other fields for youth development.
•  He focused particularly on supporting children of deceased police officers, ensuring they had access to education and opportunities.
•  Arase retired from the Nigeria Police Force on June 21, 2016, but remained active in public service until his passing, leaving a legacy of reforms, public service, youth empowerment, and dedication to improving policing in Nigeria.