Former IGP, Solomon Arase clocks 66

Nigeria’s former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase is 66 today, June 21

Arase was born on June 21, 1956 in Owan West Local Government, Edo state in Southern Nigeria.

He attended Ahmadu Bello University for his undergraduate studies and graduated with a political science degree in 1980. He was recruited into the Nigerian Police a year later on December 1, 1981. He also obtained another bachelor’s degree in Law from University of Benin as well as Masters from University of Lagos.

While in Police service, Arase served in various capacities including being Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State as well as serving in the intelligence gathering unit as Assistant Inspector General.

He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy and had served in Namibia during the United Nations peacekeeping operation.

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Arase retired from the force on June 21, 2016. After his retirement from Police service, Arase was appointed Chairman of a Task Force responsible for the implementation of a state Anti-Community Development Association Law in Edo State.

A man with little patience for slackers and slobs, Arase is an exceptional individual who is an absolute stickler for rules, regulations and institutional building and responsibility.

Not only did he have his eyes on the ball as an intelligentsia in service, he was also result-oriented, through and through. His kind of cerebral security engagement and unequalled commitment to thoroughness is largely lacking in the Police Force, presently.

Arase’s stellar quality and achievements in his service to the nation once again caught President Muhammadu Buhari’s attention last year when he wished ”the decorated officer the very best in health and strength as he continues to serve the nation, especially in advocacy.”

He noted the reforms that the former Inspector General brought to the police in Nigeria, deploying his wealth of experience of working and training in many parts of the world, to visualise and domesticate operations.

The President also commended the way and manner Arase headed the topmost intelligence-gathering unit of the Nigerian Police, the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau. Buhari joined family members, friends and associates of the versatile retired officer in celebrating another milestone,”coloured with recognitions from achievements of serving at national and international duties.”

Time and again, Arase demonstrated in service that a Nigerian reduction of high levels of crimes and criminality is possible if the right people are at the helm of affairs and the needed and urgent support could be availed of the traumatized Police Force.