President Bola Tinubu has mourned former Inspector-General of Police Solomon Arase, who died on Sunday at the age of 69.
Arase was the 18th indigenous IGP of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Tinubu commiserates with the family, friends, NPF and associates of the former IGP.
The president said Arase’s reforms as IGP and later as Chairman of the Police Service Commission brought lasting changes to the force.
Speaking through his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu acknowledged the dedication of the former IGP to enhancing security in the country through initiatives such as the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit, and Safer Highway Patrols.
“Arase served the police force meritoriously from 1981 to 2016. During his career, he led tactical, operational, and intelligence units, including United Nations Peacekeeping in Namibia, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, and the Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs.
“He was Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department.
“After retirement, he continued to serve the nation in various public roles, including as Chairman of the Police Service Commission and as head of the Task Force on implementing the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Law.
“His expertise extended to consultancy roles with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the European Centre for Electoral Support, the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo, and as a member of the Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva, Switzerland.
“I pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of this dedicated security expert, whose experience and contributions will be deeply missed by our nation,” said Tinubu.
Also mourning Arase, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, described the deceased as a distinguished son of Edo and a patriotic Nigerian whose legacy of service, professionalism, and dedication to national security will be remembered for generations.
Okpebholo’s condolence is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, issued on Sunday in Benin.
The governor described late Arase as a patriotic Nigerian and an illustrious Edo son whose contributions to the country’s security architecture were immeasurable.
He noted that late Arase was a man of integrity and honour who served the nation with distinction, rising to the pinnacle of his career through sheer hard work and dedication.
The governor noted that Arase’s career in the Nigerian Police Force was marked by reforms and commitment to professionalism and community policing.
He added that Arase’s legacy of service would be remembered for generations, saying he was a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration to many young police officers and aspiring leaders.
Okpebholo prayed for the peaceful repose of Arase’s soul and for the Almighty God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
He also expressed solace in the fact that Arase lived a life of purpose, positively impacting all who came into contact with him.
“Arase’s contributions to the Nigeria Police Force and the country’s security architecture will be remembered for a long time, and his legacy will continue to inspire many,” he added.
