Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun has paid tribute to the late Dr. Solomon Arase, describing him as one of the finest officers to have served the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the nation.
Egbetokun made the remarks on Saturday during a Guard of Honour Parade held in Abuja at the NPF Hangar, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, in honour of the late former Inspector-General of Police.
He said the parade was not merely ceremonial but a solemn farewell, representing the final guard of honour mounted by the Force in tribute to Arase. “Our last salute to a man who devoted his entire life to public service through his distinguished career in the NPF,” Egbetokun stated.
Arase, who was appointed the 18th Indigenous Inspector-General of Police in April 2015, was praised for his record of serving as Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to three consecutive IGPs, a feat yet to be matched. His tenure as IGP was marked by reforms that emphasised professionalism, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.
According to Egbetokun, Arase believed policing required not only strength of arms but also strength of character and compassion. Beyond his police career, he also served as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), where he was said to have brought the same candour and vision to his oversight role.
“His life teaches us that every career and tenure will end, but the impact of true service will endure across generations,” the IGP said, while extending condolences to Arase’s family, the PSC, and Nigerians.
