In this episode of Warpod, we explore the risks and challenges of security force assistance (SFA) – the practice of training and equipping military, police, and border forces in other countries. 

Hosts Charlie Linney and Lewis Brooks are joined by two guests with distinct perspectives: 

• Hamsatu Allamin, a peace advocate and Executive Director of the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development, working in northeast Nigeria – a region shaped by years of conflict between the state and Boko Haram, and where SFA has played a role. 
• Major George Ashton, a British Army officer in the Royal Military Police,  serving at the time of recording with the Outreach Group – a unit that supports expertise in security force assistance and civil-military cooperation. 

Together, they reflect on the risks of SFA when programmes are not well-designed or implemented – including how they can unintentionally worsen insecurity or mistrust. The episode also considers how SFA could be shaped to promote better outcomes, including stronger relationships between security forces and the communities they serve. 

Listen to previous Warpod episodes here. 

Please note – the views, perspectives and opinions expressed in this podcast episode are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Saferworld as an organisation.