Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, describing him as an exceptional police officer whose commitment to professionalism, reform and institutional development left a lasting legacy in the Nigeria Police Force.
Disu stated this on Monday at the inaugural Police Veterans Foundation Public Lecture, held in honour of the late IGP Arase at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja.
The lecture, themed “Policing, Good Governance, and National Development: The Strategic Role of Police Veterans in Building a Secure Nation,” brought together serving and retired senior police officers, government representatives, members of the Police Veterans Foundation and the family of the deceased.
Delivering his goodwill message, the IGP described Arase as a consummate professional, celebrated leader, mentor, counsellor and friend, saying his relationship with the late police chief allowed him to appreciate the personality behind the rank.
According to Disu, Arase was “deliberate, intellectually curious and deeply committed to professionalism,” while maintaining a strong belief in the ability of the Nigeria Police Force to improve and evolve.
He said the late IGP understood that effective policing was ultimately about people, particularly the protection of lives, respect for human dignity and the restoration of public confidence in the police.
Disu noted that Arase’s contributions to police reform, professional development and institutional strengthening remained part of the enduring legacy he left behind.
Beyond his official achievements, the IGP said Arase would also be remembered for his humility, accessibility, generosity with knowledge and genuine concern for the progress and welfare of others.
“Those of us who had the privilege of sharing moments with him will remember not only the IGP, but the mentor, the counsellor, the gentleman and the friend,” Disu said.
The Inspector-General described Arase’s death as a profound loss to the Nigeria Police Force and the country, adding that the memorial lecture was an opportunity not only to mourn him but to celebrate a life defined by service, intelligence, integrity, humanity and sacrifice.
He commended the Police Veterans Foundation for establishing the memorial lecture, saying it would help keep Arase’s memory alive while providing a platform for continued discussions on the future of policing in Nigeria.
Disu stressed that the most meaningful way to honour the late police chief was to uphold the principles that guided his service and ensure that his ideas and contributions continued to influence future generations of police officers.
He also expressed appreciation to Arase’s family, friends, colleagues and associates for preserving his legacy.
“Your voice may have fallen silent, but your ideas, your examples and your impact continue to speak,” the IGP said, as he prayed for the continued repose of the late police chief’s soul.
The event formed part of activities commemorating the life and contributions of the late IGP Solomon Arase, with discussions centred on policing, good governance, national development and the role of retired police officers in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
