Meet Lateef Kayode Are, security veteran and Ambassador nominee

Lateef Kayode Are is a retired Nigerian Army Colonel and one of the most influential intelligence figures of the Fourth Republic.

He led the State Security Service (SSS) from 1999 to 2007 and briefly served as Acting National Security Adviser in 2010.

His name is now among the three non-career ambassador nominees President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.

Background

Are began his military career after graduating from the Nigerian Defence Academy (Regular Course 12) in December 1974 as a 2nd Lieutenant.

He finished among the top ten student officers and was posted to the Army Intelligence Corps.

His course mates included General Owoye Andrew Azazi, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, and Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye.

Academic achievements

Are’s academic record is notable. In 1980, he earned a First Class degree in Psychology from the University of Ibadan, winning multiple awards, including the University Senate prize, the Faculty of Social Sciences prize, and the Department of Psychology prize.

He later obtained a master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos in 1987.

Rise in military intelligence

After his NDA training, Are served at the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), rising through the ranks as an intelligence officer.

His military career was cut short in 1993 when he was retired under the Abacha regime.

Are returned to public service in 1999 when President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him Director General of the SSS, reportedly on the recommendation of then National Security Adviser, General Aliyu Gusau.

He became the longest-serving DG of the agency, holding the post until 2007 under Presidents Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

Role as National Security Adviser

In 2010, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed Are as Deputy National Security Adviser.

Following the resignation of Aliyu Gusau later that year, he briefly served as Acting NSA before being replaced by General Owoye Andrew Azazi.

Personal life

A native of Owu, Are is married with children and may soon return to public service in a diplomatic role.

In 2015, he was in the spotlight when his Ikoyi residence was raided by operatives of the Lawal Daura-led SSS over a property dispute.

Nomination as Non-Career Ambassador

Are is now one of three non-career ambassador nominees submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Senate for confirmation.