By Media360Impact
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has paid tribute to the late former Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase, describing him as a cerebral leader, consummate professional, mentor, gentleman and friend whose contributions to policing in Nigeria remain enduring.
Disu spoke on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the inaugural memorial lecture held in honour of Arase at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja.
The IGP said honouring Arase was more than an official responsibility, describing it as an emotional privilege given his personal relationship with the late police chief and the opportunity he had to learn from his wisdom, experience and humanity.
He described Arase as an exceptional police officer who combined intellectual brilliance with compassion and an unwavering commitment to professionalism.
“IGP Arase was an exceptional police officer. He was cerebral, intellectually curious and deeply committed to professionalism. Yet, what made him particularly remarkable was that his brilliance was never detached from humanity,” Disu said.
According to the IGP, Arase understood that policing was ultimately about people, particularly the need to protect lives, respect human dignity and build public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
Arase’s Reform Ideas Will Endure — Disu
Disu said the late police chief believed strongly in the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force to evolve and improve.
He noted that Arase’s contributions to police reform, professional development and institutional strengthening had become part of the institutional legacy he left behind.
Beyond his professional achievements, Disu said Arase would be remembered for his personal qualities, including his accessibility, thoughtfulness, generosity with knowledge and commitment to the wellbeing and advancement of others.
“For those of us who had the privilege of sharing moments with him, we will remember not only the IGP, but the mentor, the counsellor, the gentleman and the friend,” he said.
The IGP described Arase’s death last year as a profound loss to the Police Force and Nigeria, adding that those who knew him personally also lost someone whose presence enriched their lives.
He, however, urged participants to view the memorial lecture not only as an occasion for mourning but also as an opportunity to celebrate Arase’s life of service, intellect, integrity, humanity and sacrifice.
‘Greatest Tribute Is to Live by His Principles’
Disu commended the organisers of the inaugural memorial lecture, particularly the Police Veterans Foundation, for establishing the platform to preserve Arase’s memory and encourage continued conversations about the future of policing in Nigeria.
He said the most meaningful way to honour the late police chief would be for serving officers and other stakeholders to uphold the principles that guided his distinguished career.
“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 Arase’s family, friends, colleagues and associates for preserving and celebrating his legacy.
Addressing the late police chief directly, Disu said: “Dear IGP Arase Sir, your voice may have fallen silent, but your ideas, your example and your impact continue to speak.”
He prayed that Arase’s memory would remain a blessing and that Almighty God would grant him eternal rest.
The memorial lecture brought together senior police officers, police veterans, members of Arase’s family, friends, former colleagues and other stakeholders who gathered to honour his life and contributions to policing in Nigeria.
