Assistant Inspector General of Police | Evangelist | Administrator
Early Life and Background
Anthony Sawyerr was born on April 16, 1944, in Ndiamazi Quarters, Sagbama Town, in present-day Bayelsa State. He hailed from a respected family, being the son of the late Pa Cameroon Sawyerr, a staff of the Inland Waterways Department (IWD), and Madam Erekabo Pereware Sawyerr, a devoted homemaker from Bolu-Orua.
Growing up in a disciplined and supportive environment, young Anthony developed strong moral values, a sense of duty, and a commitment to excellence—qualities that would later define his illustrious career in the Nigeria Police Force.
Education
Anthony Sawyerr began his early education at Local Authority Primary School, Sagbama. Due to his father’s transfer to Lagos in 1952, his education was briefly interrupted. He later continued at Africa School, Apapa, Lagos, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1958.
In 1959, he proceeded to Secondary Modern School, Uduophori, and later attended the United College of Commerce, Warri, where he completed his post-secondary education in 1965.
Entry into the Nigeria Police Force
In 1966, Anthony Sawyerr enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force as a Constable and was posted to the Central Police Station, Ibadan, in the then Western Region of Nigeria.
As a young officer, he demonstrated discipline, professionalism, and a deep understanding of community policing. His duties included maintaining law and order, arresting offenders, and ensuring public safety.
In May 1970, he earned his first promotion to the rank of Corporal, marking the beginning of a steady rise through the ranks.
Professional Training and Advancement
Determined to advance his career, he attended the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, where he underwent rigorous academic and paramilitary training as a Cadet Inspector. This period marked a turning point in his professional development.
He further enhanced his leadership and operational skills at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Shere Hills, Jos.
During his training, he distinguished himself among notable contemporaries, including Rilwanu Akiolu and other senior officers who would later shape Nigeria’s policing system.
Police Career and Service Across Nigeria
Anthony Sawyerr’s career spanned several states and key positions across Nigeria.
Inspector to Senior Officer Cadre
- Posted to Borno State in 1972 as an Inspector
- Promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in 1976
- Promoted to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in 1980
- Served as Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Potiskum
While in Potiskum, he completed the Advanced Detective Course in 1980, strengthening his investigative expertise.
Operational Leadership Roles
- DPO, Bori (Rivers State)
- DPO, Mile One Division, Port Harcourt
- Attended Intermediate Command Course (1984)
In 1987, he was promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and posted to Umuahia as Area Commander.
He later served as:
- Area Commander, Onitsha and Nsukka (Anambra State)
- Area Commander, Gboko (Benue State)
Senior Command Positions
- Promoted to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in 1990
- Served at Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (ZCID), Benin City
- Deputy Commandant, Police College Maiduguri
- DCP Administration, Lagos State Police Command
Commissioner of Police (CP)
Anthony Sawyerr rose to the prestigious rank of Commissioner of Police and served in several key commands:
- Borno State (1995)
- Kogi State (1995)
- Force Headquarters, Lagos (CP Admin)
- Kwara State (1999)
- Ekiti State (2000)
While serving in Borno State, he introduced innovative traffic management systems, including organized bus stops in Maiduguri, significantly improving urban mobility and reducing congestion.
Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG)
In 2001, Anthony Sawyerr attained the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG)—becoming the first Bayelsan to reach this distinguished position.
He served as the pioneer AIG of Zone 10, Sokoto, overseeing policing activities across Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States.
After a remarkable and unblemished career, he retired on August 1, 2001.
Life After Retirement
Following his retirement, AIG Sawyerr remained actively engaged in national development and private enterprise.
He served as:
- Director, Ine Oil Limited, Port Harcourt
- Director, Samfard Industries Limited, Ogun State
- CEO, Tonibau Enterprises Limited
- CEO, Erekabo Security Services Limited
- Chairman, First International Academy, Port Harcourt
Through these roles, he contributed significantly to business development, education, and security services.
Family Life
Anthony Sawyerr married Helen Endeley in 1971, daughter of the renowned Francis Gbede Endeley of Sagbama.
Their marriage was blessed with seven children, and he remained a devoted husband and father throughout his life.
Faith and Evangelism
AIG Anthony Sawyerr was a devoted Jehovah’s Witness and a committed evangelist.
He was baptized on July 7, 1974, in Kano State and remained steadfast in his faith throughout his life.
He served as:
- Ministerial Servant
- Elder
- Committee member in conflict resolution
He was known for:
- Daily family worship
- Bible teaching
- Community evangelism
His life reflected deep spirituality, discipline, and moral uprightness.
Personality and Legacy
Anthony Sawyerr was widely regarded as:
- A disciplined and incorruptible officer
- A principled leader
- A man of integrity and contentment
He lived a life of simplicity despite his high rank and never brought disrepute to the Nigeria Police Force.
His career remains a model of professionalism and ethical service.
Death
AIG Anthony Sawyerr passed away on November 18, 2020, at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, after a brief illness. He was 76 years old.
Legacy
His legacy endures in:
- His pioneering achievement as Bayelsa’s first AIG
- His unblemished police career
- His contributions to public safety and administration
- His strong Christian faith and evangelism
He remains a symbol of integrity, discipline, and service in Nigeria’s policing history.
