President Bola Tinubu has expressed grief over the death of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase, who passed on Sunday at the age of 69.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President condoled with the Nigeria Police Force, Arase’s family, friends, and associates.
Tinubu described the late Arase as a “highly resourceful officer” whose reforms and commitment to national security left an enduring mark.
He recalled Arase’s service from 1981 to 2016, during which he led tactical, operational, and intelligence units, served in UN peacekeeping in Namibia, and rose through the ranks to become IGP.
As police chief, Arase introduced initiatives such as the Intelligence Response Team, Complaint Response Unit, and Safer Highway Patrols. He later chaired the Police Service Commission and headed the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Task Force.
Beyond policing, Arase worked as a consultant to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the European Centre for Electoral Support, and the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo. He also served on the UN Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva.
Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the late officer and acknowledged the void his passing leaves in Nigeria’s security architecture.
“I pray for the peaceful repose of this dedicated security expert, whose experience and contributions will be deeply missed by our nation,” the President said.
(NAN)