Police in Niger State has explained why it halted the planned rally for All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The planned rally was organised by Sabi Abdullahi, deputy chief whip of the senate, with the aim of selling the candidacy of Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, to the residents of the state.

However, police sealed the New Bussa Township Stadium in Borgu LGA, the venue of the rally, and stationed its officers at the entrance on Tuesday morning.

The officers prevented party supporters from entering the stadium for the event that was billed to start at 11 am.

Spokesperson of the police command in Niger, Wasiu Abiodun, said in a statement sent to TheCable that sealing the venue was a “proactive measure” on intelligence they had received.

“The police had to take over the venue of the planned rally, as a proactive measure due to intelligence received of a likely breach of security at the venue,” he said.

“Hence, we have to do the needful to avert any possible attack or hijack by suspected miscreants to cause mayhem and breach of peace in the community.

“The command will not fold its arm and allow acts of political violence, avoidable loss of life, destruction of properties, and lawlessness.”

In recent times, Niger has seen an increase in the activities of criminals and insurgents.