PHOTO FILE: Late Former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase

The Benin Consultative Forum (BCF) has described the late former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, as a towering figure in the history of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), lauding his legacy of reforms, scholarship, and service to the nation.

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 thrown its members and the wider Edo community into mourning.

The BCF hailed him as an “acknowledged intelligence cop within the global security network,” noting his significant contributions to policing, law enforcement, and intelligence reforms. They also highlighted his academic impact, particularly 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,” the statement read. “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 group further noted that Arase’s membership of the Body of Benchers reflected his dedication to integrity, the rule of law, and service to humanity.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has opened a condolence register at its Abuja headquarters in honour of the former IGP, who passed away on August 31 at age 69. Until his death, Arase was the immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission. He had also served as the 18th Inspector-General of Police, where he was widely celebrated for modernising the force.

Current IGP Kayode Egbetokun paid tribute to his predecessor as senior officers and staff signed the condolence register. The police authorities also directed that flags fly at half-mast nationwide in Arase’s honour.