Arase, Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police, also served as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) until June 2024.
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West, Edo State, he studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University before joining the Nigeria Police Force in 1981. He later obtained a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos.
Throughout his career, Arase held several key roles, including head of the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence. He also participated in UN peacekeeping operations in Namibia and was a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Arase retired in June 2016 upon attaining the statutory age but was recalled to public service in January 2023 when President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as Chairman of the PSC.
He was widely admired for championing police welfare and spearheading reforms, including the creation of the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit to address misconduct, and Safer Highway Patrols to improve traveler safety. He also played a pivotal role in strengthening election security.
Beyond policing, Arase was deeply invested in education and youth development. Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), he awarded scholarships to students—particularly children of late police officers and those from disadvantaged communities. In 2025, the foundation supported 29 scholars across fields such as Medicine, Engineering, Criminology, and Political Science.
The Foundation described the scholarship initiative as an investment in Nigeria’s future leaders and a continuation of the values of service, integrity, and excellence that defined Arase’s life.
He is remembered as a reform-driven leader, principled statesman, and patriot who left an enduring legacy in policing, education, and national development.
