I’ve had my fair share of thrilling adventures as a passionate bird watcher. But none compare to an unexpected encounter with the Nigeria Police Force on a blazing July afternoon in Edo State. It was July 11, 2021—a day seared into my memory for all the right reasons. I led a sub-team from the Southeast-Southsouth Atlas Team (SESSAT) on a bird-watching expedition in Edo State. The goal? To explore the region’s rich avian diversity.
The sun blazed overhead as we navigated the winding paths along the Benin-Ekpoma Expressway. Our group eventually reached the Obadan-Ebue Ugonoba Road junction in Uhunmwode, where a police checkpoint appeared. Now, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t apprehensive. Media portrayals of the Nigerian police often leave little room for optimism. Would they wave us through, or would this end our outing?
To my surprise—and relief—the officers greeted us with genuine curiosity rather than suspicion. They asked what had brought us to their stretch of the expressway, and when I explained our mission, their interest deepened. I showed them our binoculars, bird guides, and IDs, watching as scepticism became intrigued.
“I’ve never heard of bird watching,” one officer admitted, leaning in closer. Seizing the opportunity, we gave them an impromptu lesson. Pointing skyward, we identified Pied Crows and Yellow-billed Kites circling lazily above. Their questions came quickly—enthusiastic and thoughtful—as they shared their stories of birds they’d noticed during patrols, including sightings of the Common Kestrel. Then, something I hadn’t expected happened. One officer offered us water sachets, a gesture that felt like finding an oasis in the desert. Hours of trekking under the sweltering sun had drained our supplies, and their kindness couldn’t have come at a better time.
Standing beneath the shade of a sprawling walnut tree, sipping cool water and chatting with these officers, I realized how powerful shared curiosity can be. It struck me how stereotypes often blind us to the humanity in others. These men, tasked with maintaining order in challenging conditions, were genuinely engaged in learning about bird conservation and the threats posed by hunting and habitat destruction.
Bird watching, I discovered that day, can bridge divides. It’s more than a hobby—it’s a universal language that fosters connection. That simple encounter reaffirmed the importance of seeking understanding in an increasingly divided world. This wasn’t an isolated experience, either. I had another memorable encounter with police officers in 2022, this time in Udung Uko, Akwa Ibom State—but that’s a story for another day.
Written by Eti-ido Sunday Udofia
Edited by Nanchin Winifred Kazeh
