The Benin Consultative Forum (BCF) has paid glowing tribute to the late former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, describing him as a towering figure whose reforms left an indelible mark on the Nigeria Police Force.

Arase, who died on Sunday at the age of 69, was celebrated by the group as an “acknowledged intelligence cop within the global security network.”

In a statement signed by BCF Vice President, Samson Osagie, and Secretary-General, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, the forum said his passing had plunged its members into mourning.

“The late former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, was a towering figure who introduced innovative policies into the Nigerian Police Force,” the statement read.

The group highlighted his contributions to police reforms, intelligence, law enforcement, and scholarship, particularly through his published works on internal security and electoral management.

“His life of service also included scholarly pursuits, where he shared his vast experience in security and civil relations through books that offered practical solutions to advance Nigeria’s internal security and electoral management,” it added.

BCF further noted that Arase’s membership of the Body of Benchers reflected his unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, the rule of law, and service to humanity.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja in honour of the late IGP. Current Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, led senior officers and staff to pay their respects, with flags ordered to fly at half-mast nationwide.

Until his death, Arase was the immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission. He had earlier served as the 18th Inspector-General of Police, where he was widely recognised for spearheading modern reforms to strengthen policing in Nigeria.