New Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Kayode Are, has formally presented his Letter of Credence to US President Donald Trump at the White House.
The ceremony, which took place on Thursday, May 21, featured a guard of honour mounted by members of the US Armed Forces, alongside officials of the State Department and staff of the National Security Council.
Are was among 12 envoys received by the US President during the diplomatic event. Other ambassadors who presented their credentials included representatives from South Africa, Chad, Chile, Yemen, Australia and Kyrgyzstan.
President Bola Tinubu approved Are’s deployment in January 2026 after his nomination was confirmed by the Senate in December 2025.
Born in 1955, Are is a retired Nigerian Army colonel, seasoned intelligence officer and former Director-General of the State Security Service, now known as the Department of State Services (DSS).
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most experienced security operatives, he spent more than three decades in military intelligence and national security administration.
He trained at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of Regular Combatant Course 12, graduating among the top 10 cadets before being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in December 1974.
Academically, Are also recorded remarkable achievements. In 1980, he earned a First Class Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Ibadan, graduating as the institution’s best student and receiving several academic prizes, including the University Senate Prize.
He later obtained a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos in 1987.
During his military career, Are served in the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) and rose to the rank of Colonel before retiring compulsorily from the Nigerian Army in 1993.
Following Nigeria’s return to democratic governance, he was appointed Director-General of the State Security Service in May 1999.
Are held the position until August 2007, making him the longest-serving head of the secret police agency. During his tenure, he served under former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
He also served as Deputy National Security Adviser, playing key roles in intelligence coordination and national security management.
With over 33 years of combined experience in military and civilian intelligence operations, Are is widely recognised as a leading figure in Nigeria’s security architecture.
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