NEWS
Former SSS, NIA Director-General Chief Albert Horsfall Dies, Family Mourns ‘Irreparable Loss’
Chief Albert Korubo Horsfall, former Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS) and pioneer Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), has died, marking the end of an illustrious career and a life of dedicated service to Rivers State, the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
Horsfall’s death was announced on Friday in a statement issued by his son, Donald Horsfall, on behalf of the family.
According to the family, the elder statesman and prominent son of Rivers State died peacefully after a fulfilled and impactful life devoted to God, his family, his community, Rivers State and Nigeria.
The announcement has brought an end to the life of a distinguished public servant who occupied some of the most sensitive positions in Nigeria’s national security and intelligence architecture and subsequently remained an influential elder statesman.
Describing the deceased as a “beloved patriarch,” the family said it was mourning an “irreparable loss,” even as it drew strength from the extraordinary life he lived and the enduring legacy he left behind.
His son said his father’s memory would remain a source of inspiration to those who knew him, particularly those who benefited from his wealth of knowledge, experience, wisdom and compassion.
The family further stated that arrangements for his funeral would be made public in due course.
Horsfall was also remembered as an illustrious son of the Niger Delta and one of the prominent figures whose public service contributed to the development of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The family described him as a distinguished public servant, statesman, administrator and one of the most respected figures in the history of Rivers State and Nigeria.
Throughout his public career, Horsfall was associated with national service, leadership and the management of critical responsibilities at the highest levels of government. His tenure and contributions to Nigeria’s security and intelligence institutions placed him among the notable figures in the country’s post-independence public service history.
Beyond his official responsibilities, the family said Horsfall remained committed to the advancement of his state and country, with his counsel and leadership continuing to command respect among successive generations.
The statement described his service to Nigeria as one characterised by “uncommon dedication, integrity, and patriotism,” stressing that he left behind an enduring legacy of leadership, wisdom and selfless service.
The family further identified him as one of the founding fathers of Rivers State and an elder statesman of national repute who made significant contributions to the growth and development of both the state and Nigeria.
According to the family, Horsfall’s counsel, courage and commitment to justice, peace and good governance earned him the admiration of generations of leaders and citizens.
The statement read:
“It is with profound gratitude to the Almighty God for a life of remarkable service and accomplishments that the Horsfall family announces the passing of our beloved patriarch, Chief Albert Korubo Horsfall, whose transition occurred peacefully after a fulfilled and impactful life dedicated to God, family, community, Rivers State, and Nigeria.
“Chief A.K. Horsfall was an illustrious son of the Niger Delta, a distinguished public servant, statesman, administrator, and one of the most respected figures in the history of Rivers State and Nigeria at Large.
“Throughout his lifetime, he served the nation with uncommon dedication, integrity, and patriotism, leaving behind an enduring legacy of leadership, wisdom, and selfless service.
“As one of the founding fathers of Rivers State and an elder statesman of national repute, Chief Horsfall made invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the State and the country.
”His counsel, courage, and commitment to justice, peace, and good governance earned him the admiration of generations of leaders and citizens alike.
“While the family mourns this irreparable loss, we take comfort in the extraordinary life he lived and the indelible mark he left on the sands of time. His memory will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him and benefiting from his immense wealth of knowledge, experience, and compassion.
“Details of funeral arrangements and other related activities will be communicated in due course.”
Horsfall’s passing is expected to generate tributes from political leaders, security and intelligence professionals, public servants, traditional institutions and communities across Rivers State and beyond, as Nigeria reflects on the life and contributions of one of its notable elder statesmen.