Are served as an officer in the Directorate of Military Intelligence up until retirement by General Sani Abacha.

[2] Are's NDA Regular Course 12 mates included officers such as General Owoye Andrew Azazi, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, and Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye.

[2] Are served with General Aliyu Gusau at the Directorate of Military Intelligence during Are's time in the army.

[4] In April 2010, Are was appointed as Deputy National Security Adviser by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The announcement of the change said "The President thanked the outgoing NSA for his services, and wished him well in his future endeavours".