The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) has expressed deep regrets over the passing of a former Inspector-General of Police and Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Solomon Arase, who died on August 31, 2025 at the age of 69.
Referencing the 18th indigenous IGP, who climbed to the zenith of his career as the IGP, as well as becoming the PSC chairman, over a period of 35 years meritorious service, the Association in a statement issued and signed by the Public Relations Officer, Mr Eric Elezuo, quoted the its president, Oki Samson, as saying that Arase would be remembered for his friendly disposition to the media, and ability to rise in support when occasion calls.
“It is with deep regret that we the members of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) mourn the demise of one of Nigeria’s most accomplished police officers, IGP Solomon Arase (retd), whose death event occurred on Sunday, August 31, 2025.
“Arase, as we know him, proved himself both in the field of policing and administration as well as intelligence. His avalanche of credible performances include his fatherly association and friendliness with members of the media, of which we, as an Association, benefitted immensely from. For this we are grateful, and honour his memory.
“His contributions and unwavering support to NAOSNP, especially as regards our flagship annual security conference and awards are overwhelming, and cannot be overemphasized. He was a guiding light to many of us who have crossed his path.
“Arase is reputed by not a few among many other loud applause, as a gallant and brilliant cop with undiluted acumen in crime detection and eradication, a true patriot and accomplished family man. His knack for end to all forms of crime set him apart among peers and contemporaries.
“With a heavy heart, we therefore, join all Nigerians, the Police hierarchy, members of his family, colleagues and well wishers to ask the good Lord, whom he also served sincerely, to grant his soul eternal rest in peace,” the statement read.
According to a Force headquarters statement, “IGP Solomon Arase, born on the 21st of June, 1956, in Owan West Local Government of Edo State, attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned his first degree in Political science. He later obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Benin, a Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Lagos and a Ph.D in Public Law from the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State. He was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on the 1st of December, 1981.
”During the course of his illustrious Policing career, IGP Arase served in various capacities including Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to three IGPs between 2002 – 2008, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and DIG Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) respectively. He was appointed the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and retired on the 21st of June 2016. He was thereafter appointed the Chairman Police Service Commission on the 24th January, 2023 by Late President Muhammadu Buhari, a post which he held until the 10th of June, 2024. He is also a Fellow of the Defence College and a member of the prestigious Body of Benchers.
“During his tenure as the Inspector-General of Police, he introduced major initiatives for the reform and improvement of the Force, such as the Complaint Response Unit for swift responses to public complaints and adequate protection of citizens rights.IGP Arase exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and leadership, while his contributions to national security and police reform continue to resonate within the Force and beyond. His passing is not just the culmination of a remarkable chapter but a moment of collective mourning of a man who served with pride and honour.
“Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), he supported academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with particular focus on children of deceased police officers and indigent students. “
May his soul rest in perfect peace!
Signed:
Eric Elezuo
National Public Relations Officer
