Arase, a towering figure in NPF history – Edo group 

The Benin Consultative Forum has described the late former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, as a towering figure who left an indelible mark on the Nigerian Police Force through innovative policies and reforms.

In a statement signed by its Vice President, Samson Osagie, and Secretary-General, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, the group said Arase’s death on Sunday had plunged its members into mourning.

The BCF hailed Arase as an “acknowledged intelligence cop within the global security network,” noting his significant contributions to police reforms, intelligence, law enforcement, and scholarship, particularly through his writings on internal security and electoral management.

“The Late former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, was a towering figure who introduced innovative policies into the Nigerian Police Force.”

His life of service also included scholarly pursuits, where he shared his vast experience in security and civil relations through books that offered practical solutions to advance Nigeria’s internal security and electoral management,” the statement read.

The group added that Arase’s membership of the Body of Benchers reflected his commitment to excellence, integrity, the rule of law, and service to humanity.

The Nigeria Police Force has opened a condolence register at its Abuja headquarters to honour former Inspector-General of Police Solomon Arase, who died on August 31 at age 69.

Until his passing, Arase was the immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission and had served as the 18th Inspector-General of Police, where he was widely celebrated for modernising the force.

Current IGP Kayode Egbetokun paid tribute as senior officers and staff gathered to sign the register. Flags will also fly at half-mast nationwide in his honour.