Benin Consultative Forum (BCF), and former Inspector-Generals of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu and Sunday Ehindero, have expressed sadness over the sudden passing of Dr Solomon Arase.

Arase, who served as the 18th Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police Force, died on Sunday, August 31, 2025, in an Abuja hospital.

In a statement signed by the Vice President of the Forum, Dr Samson Osagie, and Secretary-General, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, the BCF said Arase was widely celebrated for his role in modernising the Force.

“He introduced innovative policing models, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art technical intelligence platform, and made history as the pioneer Head of the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, where he deployed forensic and non-kinetic strategies to combat complex crimes,” the statement partly reads.

The BCF, while describing Arase as a towering figure in Nigeria’s security architecture and an acknowledged intelligence cop within the global security network.

Recalled his contributions to police reforms, intelligence, law enforcement, and scholarship, especially through his writings on internal security and electoral management.

The Forum noted that Arase’s membership of the Body of Benchers was a reflection of his commitment to excellence, integrity, the rule of law, and service to humanity.

Also, the former IGP, Adamu, joined other well-meaning Nigerians to pay tribute to Arase, describing the deceased as a patriotic Nigerian who gave his all to the service of his fatherland and beyond.

Addressed newsmen shortly after he signed the condolence register at the Abuja residence of the late IGP, Adamu said: “It was shocking to me when I received the news of the demise of Solomon Arase. Everybody knows that when Arase was there, he was one of the brains who reformed the Nigerian Police.

“Even after retirement, his heart was there with the Nigerian Police, thinking of how the service can improve day in and day out. It is a great loss not only to his family, but also to the Police Force, and to the country at large. And he has also been linked to international policing, and his colleagues at the international level would really miss him.”

Ehindero, on his part, described the demise of Arase as one that would be felt by many, particularly for his contributions to policing in the country.

While describing the late Arase as a man of candour with a large heart, Ehindero stated that the deceased was accommodating and acceptable to both his superiors and subordinates within the Nigeria Police Force.

In his tribute, Ehindero recalled how the late Arase was able to serve as Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to three IGPs, including himself, due to what he described as outstanding qualities.