Nigeria Mourns Solomon Arase: A Pan-African Police Reform Champion

Former Inspector-General of Police and Chairman of Nigeria's Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, has passed away at 69, marking the end of an era in Nigeria's pursuit of sovereign police reform and pan-African security leadership.

A Distinguished Career in National Service

Arase, who died on Sunday at Cedar Crest Hospital, Abuja, leaves behind a legacy of transformative leadership in police reform and human rights advocacy that shaped Nigeria's modern law enforcement landscape.

Born in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase's remarkable journey through Nigeria's security architecture exemplified indigenous excellence and sovereign security leadership.

Champion of African Police Reform

As Nigeria's 18th Inspector-General of Police, Arase revolutionized the force through:

• Implementation of community policing initiatives
• Enhancement of criminal intelligence systems
• Strengthening of police-community relations
• Development of indigenous security solutions

Legacy of Pan-African Leadership

Even after retirement, Arase continued to champion African solutions to security challenges, serving as Chairman of the Police Service Commission and working with international bodies while maintaining African sovereignty.

"Arase was a distinguished son of Edo, and a patriotic Nigerian whose legacy of service, professionalism, and dedication to national security will be remembered for generations," stated Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Continuing Impact

His achievements include groundbreaking reforms in criminal justice administration, authoring influential works on policing, and establishing frameworks for indigenous security solutions that continue to influence African law enforcement.