LAGOS — Former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Chief Albert Korubo Horsfall, has died at the age of 84.

Horsfall reportedly died on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at a hospital in Lagos after a prolonged illness.

His death was announced on Friday by the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, who described the late intelligence chief as an exceptional public servant and a pioneer of Nigeria’s modern intelligence system.

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Horsfall served as Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), now known as the DSS, from 1990 to 1992.

He also made history as the pioneer Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), where he played a significant role in the development of Nigeria’s intelligence architecture.

Before rising to the highest levels of the country’s intelligence community, Horsfall served as a police officer and was among the foundation staff of the former National Security Organisation (NSO).

Following his service in the intelligence sector, he was appointed the pioneer chairman of the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC).

In that capacity, Horsfall was involved in efforts aimed at promoting development in Nigeria’s oil-producing communities, particularly across the Niger Delta.

His public service career spanned several decades, during which he served in key positions covering national security, intelligence and development in oil-producing areas.

In his condolence message, DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi expressed sympathy to Horsfall’s family, the Rivers State Government, the Ijaw Nation and Nigerians.

Ajayi described the late intelligence chief as a patriot who devoted his life to the security and development of Nigeria.

“My deepest condolences to his family, Rivers State, the Ijaw Nation, the Government and the good people of Nigeria. Rest well, Chief Albert Horsfall, OFR. A great son of Nigeria and a true patriot,” Ajayi said.

He added: “He was an exceptional public servant who devoted his life to the security and development of Nigeria. A pioneer of Nigeria’s modern intelligence.”

Horsfall’s death marks the loss of one of the prominent figures associated with the formative years of Nigeria’s contemporary intelligence and national security institutions.