Nigeria’s intelligence community and Rivers State have been thrown into mourning following the death of Chief Albert Korubo Horsfall, a former Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS) and pioneer Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
Horsfall’s death was announced on Friday in a statement signed by his son, Donald Horsfall. The family said the elder statesman died peacefully after a fulfilled life devoted to public service, his family, community, Rivers State and Nigeria.
Described by his family as a “beloved patriarch”, Horsfall was remembered as a distinguished public servant, administrator and statesman whose career spanned some of Nigeria’s most important security and intelligence institutions.
The family also described him as one of the founding figures of Rivers State, saying his contributions to the development of the state and Nigeria earned him national respect. His counsel and commitment to justice, peace and good governance, the family said, influenced several generations of leaders and citizens.
Horsfall served as the pioneer Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, playing a key role in the development of Nigeria’s external intelligence structure. He also headed the State Security Service, now widely known as the Department of State Services, during his distinguished public service career.
Donald Horsfall said the family was grieving the loss but would draw strength from the life his father lived and the impact he made. He said Horsfall’s knowledge, experience and compassion would remain a source of inspiration to those who knew him.
The family described the late intelligence chief as “an illustrious son of the Niger Delta” and praised his dedication, integrity and patriotism. It said his legacy of leadership and service would remain part of the history of Rivers State and Nigeria.
Details of Horsfall’s burial arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date.
