Solomon Arase Biography: Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, NPM, fdc, is one of Nigeria’s most distinguished and respected figures in law enforcement. He is renowned for his exceptional contributions to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and his pivotal role in reforming the country’s policing system. Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Solomon Arase has left a remarkable legacy that continues to shape the landscape of Nigerian policing, law enforcement, and public safety. With a career spanning over three decades, Arase’s leadership and vision continue to inspire law enforcement professionals around the world.
From his early days as an officer in the Nigeria Police Force to his service as the 18th Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Nigeria, Arase’s journey has been marked by an unwavering commitment to improving policing standards, protecting human rights, and fostering public trust in the police. His contributions to the force and the larger security landscape have earned him respect both within Nigeria and globally.
This comprehensive biography will take you through Dr. Solomon Arase’s life, from his family background and education to his rise through the ranks of the Nigeria Police Force, his achievements as IGP, and his contributions after retirement. Additionally, we will explore his personal life, legacy, net worth, and other essential aspects of his life.
Solomon Arase Biography
Dr. Solomon Arase is a Nigerian law enforcement leader known for his role as the 18th Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Nigeria, serving from April 2015 to June 2016. As IGP, Arase led the Nigeria Police Force with a focus on reforms, professionalization, human rights, and improving police-public relations. His tenure was marked by his innovative approach to policing, particularly his emphasis on intelligence-led policing, community engagement, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Arase’s impact on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has been profound. He pushed for modernization within the force, improving its operational capabilities and making policing more responsive to the needs of Nigerian citizens. His efforts toward reforming the police force have earned him national recognition, and his career serves as a beacon of leadership for future generations in law enforcement. In 2025, as the world remembers Dr. Solomon Arase, his legacy continues to shape Nigerian policing.
His wealth and professional success also stand as a reflection of his dedication to public service. Although Arase’s primary focus has been his work in law enforcement, his career achievements, including post-retirement roles, have contributed to his financial standing, making him a significant figure in Nigeria’s security and governance systems.
Solomon Arase Early Life and Education
Solomon Arase was born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. He was raised in a family that emphasized discipline, hard work, and education. His early years were shaped by his family’s commitment to instilling these values, which would later serve him well in his career in law enforcement.
Growing up in Edo State, Arase was encouraged to pursue academic excellence. His academic journey began at local schools in Edo State, where he demonstrated a natural aptitude for learning. He later attended Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1980. His academic achievements did not end there; Dr. Arase’s thirst for knowledge led him to further his studies. He later earned a Law degree (LL.B) from the University of Benin and a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos.
In addition to his degrees, Arase attended the National Defence College of Nigeria, where he was awarded the Fellow of the Defence College (FDC) designation. His academic credentials not only enhanced his professional skills but also solidified his intellectual capacity to lead effectively within the police force. Arase’s background in political science and law provided him with the necessary tools to understand the complex dynamics of law enforcement, governance, and human rights.
Solomon Arase Joining the Nigeria Police Force
Dr. Solomon Arase joined the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on December 1, 1981, beginning a career that would span over 30 years. His initial postings within the NPF took him to various regions in Nigeria, where he worked on a variety of law enforcement tasks, including criminal investigations, intelligence gathering, and maintaining law and order. Throughout his early career, Arase developed a reputation for his professionalism, integrity, and strategic thinking.
His first major assignment was as the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, where he focused on improving the security situation in the state. Arase’s leadership in Akwa Ibom was characterized by his proactive approach to crime prevention and his efforts to improve relations between the police and the public. He gained recognition for his ability to address complex security challenges, including curbing violent crime and fostering better police-community relationships.
Arase’s success in Akwa Ibom laid the foundation for his rise through the ranks of the Nigeria Police Force. His dedication to service and his leadership qualities earned him subsequent promotions to higher positions within the police. These included his appointment as Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), where he took on a more national role overseeing the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID). In this capacity, Arase made significant contributions to the modernization of Nigeria’s criminal investigative systems.
His experience and leadership in various capacities within the Nigeria Police Force eventually led to his appointment as the 18th Inspector General of Police in 2015, following the retirement of his predecessor.
Inspector General of Police: Major Reforms and Initiatives
Dr. Solomon Arase’s tenure as the Inspector General of Police was marked by numerous reforms and initiatives aimed at modernizing the Nigeria Police Force. He took office at a time when the NPF faced significant challenges, including widespread corruption, public mistrust, and inefficient policing methods. Arase’s approach to leadership focused on restoring public confidence in the police force and addressing the root causes of these challenges.
1. Police Complaints Response Unit (CRU)
One of Arase’s most significant achievements was the establishment of the Police Complaints Response Unit (CRU). The CRU was designed to give citizens a direct way to report complaints about police misconduct, including abuse of power, extortion, and brutality. This initiative helped create greater transparency and accountability within the police force, allowing the public to have their voices heard while holding officers accountable for their actions.
2. Community Policing Initiatives
Arase also championed community policing, a strategy aimed at fostering better relationships between the police and the communities they serve. Community policing focuses on building trust and collaboration between officers and citizens to prevent crime and enhance public safety. Arase’s initiatives in this area included the establishment of police-community partnerships and the creation of neighborhood watch programs to empower communities to take an active role in their own security.
3. Intelligence Response Team (IRT)
In response to the increasing challenges posed by organized crime and terrorism, Arase introduced the Intelligence Response Team (IRT). The IRT was a specialized unit within the police force that focused on intelligence gathering, high-profile crime investigations, and counterterrorism operations. The unit was equipped with modern technology and personnel trained to conduct intelligence-driven operations to combat Nigeria’s growing security threats.
4. Human Rights Protection and Policing Reform
Dr. Arase was a strong advocate for human rights and ensured that the police force adhered to international standards regarding the treatment of citizens. He worked to reduce human rights abuses within the police force, such as unlawful detention, extrajudicial killings, and illegal arrests. Under his leadership, the Nigeria Police Force worked to adopt more humane policing practices while maintaining its effectiveness in crime fighting.
5. Forensic Development and Modernization
Recognizing the importance of modern forensic techniques, Arase pushed for the development of forensic capabilities within the Nigerian Police Force. This included enhancing the police’s ability to gather and analyze physical evidence, such as fingerprints, DNA, and ballistics data, to solve crimes. Arase’s efforts in this area helped improve the police force’s investigative capacity and strengthened its overall crime-fighting efforts.
Solomon Arase Post-Retirement Contributions
After retiring as the Inspector General of Police in June 2016, Dr. Solomon Arase continued to contribute to the advancement of policing in Nigeria. He was appointed as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) in 2023, where he oversaw the recruitment, promotion, and discipline of police officers. This role allowed him to continue his work in shaping the future of the Nigeria Police Force.
In addition to his role at the PSC, Arase also worked as a security consultant, advising both national and international organizations on law enforcement best practices, crime prevention, and public safety. His extensive experience made him a sought-after expert in security and policing matters.
Solomon Arase Personal Life Family and Spouse
Dr. Solomon Arase’s personal life was largely private, but it is known that he was married and had children. Throughout his career, his family played a vital role in supporting him, both during his time as IGP and in his post-retirement activities. His family was often mentioned as a source of strength, especially in times of personal challenges.
While Arase was deeply dedicated to his professional work, he was equally committed to his family, ensuring that they were well cared for and supported throughout his career. Although details about his spouse and children are not widely publicized, it is clear that his family remained central to his life.
Solomon Arase Net Worth and Financial Status
While Dr. Solomon Arase’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, it is clear that his long career in law enforcement, combined with his consultancy and academic engagements, contributed to his financial success. His wealth is reflective of his hard work, leadership roles, and post-retirement activities, which include several high-profile advisory positions.
Arase’s financial standing is not the central focus of his career. Still, his wealth is indicative of the respect and recognition he garnered through his service to Nigeria and his continued influence in the security and law enforcement sectors.
Solomon Arase’s Legacy
Dr. Solomon Arase’s legacy is one of reform, leadership, and dedication to public service. His reforms in the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in the areas of human rights, community policing, and forensic development, have had a lasting impact on the force and the security of Nigeria. His leadership helped to transform the Nigeria Police Force from an institution plagued by corruption and inefficiency into a more modern, accountable, and effective police force.
Arase’s contributions to Nigerian policing have set a benchmark for future police leaders and have established him as a key figure in the history of law enforcement in Nigeria. His work has continued to inspire new generations of officers committed to ethical policing and service to the public.
Conclusion
Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase’s career is one of service, integrity, and profound impact. From his early years in Edo State to his rise as the Inspector General of Police, Arase dedicated his life to improving the Nigeria Police Force and ensuring public safety. His reforms and leadership have left a lasting legacy in Nigerian policing, and his contributions will be felt for generations to come.
As we look back on his life and career, we celebrate Dr. Solomon Arase for his leadership, vision, and tireless work toward building a better police force in Nigeria.
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