Examining the Role of Physical Education in Preventing Radicalisation Among Youth in Conflict-Affected Communities in the North East

Physical education and sport have been proposed as protective mechanisms against violent radicalisation among youth in conflict-affected communities, yet this relationship has not been theoretically grounded or empirically examined in the specific context of North East Nigeria's insurgency-affected populations. This dissertation examines the potential role of physical education and structured sport in preventing radicalisation among youth in conflict-affected communities in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, making an original theoretical and empirical contribution at the intersection of physical education, peace education, and counter-radicalisation scholarship. A theoretical framework integrating social cohesion theory, sport for development literature, and de-radicalisation models is constructed and critiqued. Qualitative multi-site research employing life history interviews with 45 youth former combatants, focus groups with 60 at-risk youth engaged in sport programmes, and semi-structured interviews with 20 sport programme coordinators and peace education experts provides the empirical base. Thematic and narrative analysis identifies the mechanisms through which structured physical activity and team sport participation may build social bonds across identity lines, provide structured routine as an alternative to extremist networks, develop emotional self-regulation, and foster prosocial identity. Findings reveal that sport's protective potential is contingent on deliberate facilitation, safe programme environments, and integration with broader psychosocial support. The dissertation contributes an original context-specific theoretical framework and policy recommendations for peace-oriented physical education in post-conflict communities. Keywords: physical education, radicalisation prevention, conflict-affected youth, North East Nigeria, sport for peace