Nigeria’s intelligence community has lost one of its pioneer figures, Chief Albert Horsfall, who died at the age of 84.
Horsfall, who served as the pioneer Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), died peacefully, according to a statement issued by his family.
His son, Donald Horsfall, announced the death on behalf of the family, describing the former intelligence chief as a man who devoted his life to the service of God, his family, Rivers State and Nigeria.
The family said Horsfall’s public career was defined by dedication, integrity and patriotism, adding that he left behind a legacy of leadership 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,” the statement said.
The family also paid tribute to his commitment to justice, peace and good governance, saying his counsel and courage earned him the respect of several generations of leaders and citizens.
It said his death represented an “irreparable loss” but expressed gratitude for the life he lived and the impact he made.
“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,” the family added.
Born on December 22, 1941, Horsfall had a long career in Nigeria’s security and public service institutions.
He served in the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services before becoming the pioneer head of the National Intelligence Agency.
Horsfall also held political and administrative responsibilities outside the security sector. He was chairman of the defunct Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) and the Rivers State Social Rehabilitation Committee.
He was subsequently recognised as an elder statesman and one of the prominent figures who contributed to the political and socio-economic development of Rivers State.
His death marks the end of a career that spanned Nigeria’s police, intelligence and wider public service sectors.
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