By Correspondent in Abuja.
Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP),Solomon Ehigiator Arase, has passed away according to a family source who confirmed the incident to Channels Television on Sunday via a phone conversation.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, also confirmed the death to Channels Television.
Arase, who was Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police, died on Sunday morning at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja while receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. He was 69.
As at press time, no official announcement had been made by his family or the Nigeria Police Force.
Born on June 21, 1956, in Edo State, Arase studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before joining the Nigeria Police Force in December 1981. He later obtained a law degree as well as a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies.
During his distinguished career, he served in key positions, including Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and head of the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the elite intelligence arm of the Force.
Arase also represented Nigeria on the international stage, participating in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia.
He rose to the apex of his profession in April 2015 when he was appointed Inspector-General of Police, a position he held until his retirement in June 2016.
Even in retirement, Arase remained influential in policing reforms and security discourse, later serving as Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
