By Julius Peter
The Nigeria Police Force has renewed its commitment to preserving the legacy of retired officers as senior serving and former police officers gathered in Abuja to mark the first anniversary of the death of former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon E. Arase.
The event, held on Monday, August 31, 2026, featured a public lecture titled, “Policing, Good Governance, and National Development: The Strategic Role of Police Veterans in Building a Secure Nigeria.”
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the gathering brought together former Inspectors-General of Police, retired senior officers, members of the Force Management Team, relatives of the late police chief and other dignitaries.
Among those present were former IGPs Sunday Ehindero and Mohammed Abubakar, the widow of the late IGP, Mrs Agharese Arase, and the National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association, POWA, Chief Mrs Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu.
Others included Professor Etannibi Alemika, AIG Yemi Ogunyemilusi (Rtd), Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Police Veterans’ Foundation, DIG Mohammed Yesufu (Rtd), and representatives of the Akwa Ibom State Government, Police Service Commission and Defence Headquarters.
In his remarks, DIG Yesufu urged the Federal Government and the police authorities to establish a dedicated Veterans Affairs Department within the Nigeria Police Force.
He said the department would provide an institutional framework for advancing the welfare of retired police officers and ensuring that veterans have access to relevant government programmes and support.
Yesufu also recalled the role played by the late Arase in establishing and leading the Police Veterans’ Foundation, describing him as a leader whose commitment to the welfare of retired personnel extended beyond his active years in the Force.
Paying tribute to his predecessor, IGP Olatunji Disu described Arase as a police leader who understood the importance of protecting lives, respecting human dignity and earning the confidence of citizens.
Disu said the late police chief left behind a legacy built around service, intellectual excellence, integrity, compassion and sacrifice, adding that his impact on policing remained relevant even after his retirement.
Also speaking, POWA President, Chief Mrs Mutiat Disu, praised Arase for his commitment to police families and retired personnel, particularly his support for the education of children of fallen officers.
She said his efforts to address the socio-economic challenges confronting retired police officers reflected his dedication to the welfare of members of the police community.
The lecture provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on policing, leadership, good governance and the role of retired officers in strengthening national security.
Participants subsequently called for the Police Veterans’ Foundation to be strengthened as a permanent institution capable of sustaining the welfare of police veterans.
The anniversary programme ended with the presentation of awards to beneficiaries, including Mrs Agharese Arase, as the Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to honouring officers who have served the country with distinction and maintaining strong ties between serving personnel and veterans.
