The Nigeria Police has called on Abuja residents and all Nigerians to be wary of the recent threat issued by the Boko Haram Islamist sect to attack the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and disrupt the forthcoming general elections in the country.

Al Barnawi, the new Boko Haram leader had in the video which was released on Sunday vowed to attack and bomb Abuja during the course of the 2019 general elections.

According to a statement issued through its newly-appointed Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, the Police urged Nigerians to be security conscious and avoid crowded places.

The statement read: “Dear Abuja residents, information just procured revealed that Boko Haram has been promising to attack Abuja before 2019 elections. Boko Haram, now West African ISIS released a new video promising to attack Abuja before 2019 elections

“The new Boko Haram leader, Al Barnawi said this in a new video released by the group. While speaking in Hausa, he said before the 2019 elections, his group would have an attack on the Federal Capital.

“The Nigerian Army cannot stop them from having their attack. You are strongly advised to take all the necessary precautions to ensure that crowded areas and political gathering are as much as possible avoided.

“You are further advised to monitor places like malls, markets, hotels and schools. We should also report any suspicious characters to the security agencies. Faith-based places should also bring this to the notice of all worshippers to be on alert at all times.”

Mba disclosed that the Force had put in place several measures to counter any terrorist activity aimed at disrupting the 2019 electoral process, assuring Nigerians of their safety before, during and after the election.

“The general election is a major security task ahead of the force. The IGP, Mohammed Adamu expressly acknowledged this in his maiden speech to the nation.

“Our task in this regard is to ensure peaceful, crisis-free and violence-free elections before, during and post-elections. We are absolutely committed to this mission. Consequently, adequate security measures have been put in place to identify, isolate and neutralize all possible security threats to the peaceful conduct of the elections.

“Both the operational and intelligence units of the force have been mobilized for this crucial national assignment.

“Nigerians are, therefore, enjoined to continue to support the police in this regard and report any suspicious move to the relevant security agencies,” Mba added.