Features
Nigeria Police honors late former IGP Arase with Guard of Honour
Written By: Udo Inobeme
27 Sep 2025 02:42 PM
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) today paid a solemn tribute to its late former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, NPM, fdc, FCIArb, with a Guard of Honour as his remains departed for Edo State.
The ceremony, held in Abuja on Saturday, marked a poignant farewell to a distinguished law enforcement officer whose legacy continues to resonate within the force and the nation.
The event saw a meticulously executed Guard of Honour, with officers standing in tribute as the cortege prepared to transport Arase’s remains to his home state for burial.
The late IGP, who passed away on August 31, 2025, at the age of 69, was remembered for his exemplary service during his tenure as the 18th indigenous Inspector-General from 2015 to 2016.
Current Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, led the tribute, describing Arase as an officer with “enviable strength of character.” Egbetokun highlighted Arase’s resilience, intellect, and dedication, noting his contributions to police reforms and his role in inspiring countless young officers during his career.
Arase’s distinguished service included key positions such as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence, and later Chairman of the Nigeria Police Service Commission, a post he held until his death.
The ceremony today was attended by senior police officers, government officials, and family members, with the national flag draped over Arase’s casket as a symbol of his service to the nation.
As the remains departed for Edo State, where funeral rites are expected to follow, the NPF issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and pride.
“The Nigeria Police Force bids a poignant farewell to a distinguished national,” the statement read, reflecting the collective mourning of a force that lost one of its finest.
As Edo State prepares to lay Arase to rest, his departure marks the end of an era, but his influence on Nigeria’s security architecture is poised to endure.
The ceremony, held in Abuja on Saturday, marked a poignant farewell to a distinguished law enforcement officer whose legacy continues to resonate within the force and the nation.
The event saw a meticulously executed Guard of Honour, with officers standing in tribute as the cortege prepared to transport Arase’s remains to his home state for burial.
The late IGP, who passed away on August 31, 2025, at the age of 69, was remembered for his exemplary service during his tenure as the 18th indigenous Inspector-General from 2015 to 2016.
Current Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, led the tribute, describing Arase as an officer with “enviable strength of character.” Egbetokun highlighted Arase’s resilience, intellect, and dedication, noting his contributions to police reforms and his role in inspiring countless young officers during his career.
Arase’s distinguished service included key positions such as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence, and later Chairman of the Nigeria Police Service Commission, a post he held until his death.
The ceremony today was attended by senior police officers, government officials, and family members, with the national flag draped over Arase’s casket as a symbol of his service to the nation.
As the remains departed for Edo State, where funeral rites are expected to follow, the NPF issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and pride.
“The Nigeria Police Force bids a poignant farewell to a distinguished national,” the statement read, reflecting the collective mourning of a force that lost one of its finest.
As Edo State prepares to lay Arase to rest, his departure marks the end of an era, but his influence on Nigeria’s security architecture is poised to endure.
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