The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu has described the late former Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase as an exceptional police officer, cerebral leader and consummate professional whose contributions to policing and institutional development will continue to inspire generations of officers.
IGP Disu stated this on Monday at the inaugural memorial lecture organised in honour of the late IGP Arase at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja.
The Police chief, who described Arase as both a professional colleague and cherished friend, said his tribute was delivered with “a profound sense of honour” as well as a deeply personal feeling of loss.
According to him, knowing Arase closely gave him the opportunity to experience first-hand the warmth, wisdom and humanity that defined the former police chief beyond his official position.
“IGP Arase was an exceptional Police officer. He was cerebral, intellectually curious and deeply committed to professionalism,” Disu said.
He noted that Arase’s brilliance was complemented by his strong sense of humanity and understanding that policing was ultimately about protecting lives, respecting human dignity and building public confidence in the Police.
The IGP said the late police chief was also a firm believer in the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force to evolve, adding that his contributions to police reform, professional development and institutional strengthening remained part of his enduring legacy.
Disu said beyond Arase’s official accomplishments was a man who was approachable, thoughtful, generous with his knowledge and genuinely committed to the wellbeing and advancement of others.
He described him as a mentor, counsellor, gentleman and friend, saying those who had the privilege of interacting with him would continue to remember the personal qualities that distinguished him.
The IGP said Arase’s death constituted a profound loss to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation, particularly to those who knew him personally.
He, however, stressed that the memorial lecture should not be viewed merely as an occasion to mourn his passing, but as an opportunity to celebrate a life dedicated to service, intellect, integrity, humanity and sacrifice.
Disu commended the Police Veterans Foundation for organising the inaugural memorial lecture and creating a platform to preserve Arase’s memory while sustaining conversations around the future of policing in Nigeria.
He said the most meaningful tribute to the late IGP would be for serving officers and other stakeholders to uphold the principles that guided his career and service to the nation.
“As we honour IG Arase today, may we remember that the greatest tribute we can pay him is not simply to speak about his achievements, but to live by the principles that guided his service,” Disu said.
The IGP expressed appreciation to the late police chief’s family, friends, colleagues and associates for preserving and celebrating his legacy.
“Dear IGP Arase Sir, your voice may have fallen silent, but your ideas, your example and your impact continue to speak,” he said.
He prayed for the continued repose of Arase’s soul and urged members of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that his ideals and contributions to policing continued to influence the profession.
