British authorities are ramping up security measures in Windsor ahead of the upcoming state visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is scheduled to be hosted by Charles III at Windsor Castle next week.
The Nigerian president is expected to arrive with his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday, March 18, with a ceremonial reception planned at the historic royal residence.
In preparation for the high-profile visit, Thames Valley Police announced that airspace restrictions over Windsor would be extended for the day, covering the period from 7:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
The police said the restrictions form part of a wider security operation coordinated with the Royal Household and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of the Joint Operations Unit said the enhanced measures were necessary to ensure the safety of the event.
“The air restrictions are just one part of our robust security operation for the state visit of Nigerian President Tinubu next week, with many measures you will see and others you will not,” Hall said.
“As a force, we have a vast amount of experience in policing Royal events in Windsor and significant planning and preparation has gone into this event.”
Authorities warned that breaching the airspace restrictions would constitute a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order.
“We will be taking a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions; anyone who breaches them will be committing a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could be arrested,” Hall added.
Security arrangements for the visit will include the deployment of armed officers, specialist search teams, mounted police units, road policing teams, and other tactical resources across Windsor.
Hall noted that neighbourhood policing teams and Project Servator officers would also be on the ground to engage with members of the public.
“We will also be deploying numerous police officers to Windsor with specialist capabilities, including our search teams, Mounted Section, Roads Policing and armed units, while our neighbourhood and Project Servator resources will also be on the ground engaging with the public,” he said.
Authorities will also rely on Windsor’s extensive closed-circuit television network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, and additional security measures.
“We will also be using the extensive CCTV network in Windsor, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation barriers, and many other security measures that you may not be able to see to make sure the event runs safely,” Hall said.
Residents and visitors have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
“The public plays a critical role to support us so we encourage them to report any suspicious activity or anything that does not seem quite right by calling 101 or speaking to one of our officers. If there is an immediate threat or emergency, then call 999,” he added.
Road closures and parking restrictions around Windsor will begin from Tuesday, March 17, with temporary disruptions expected during the visit.
Thames Valley Police said it is working alongside the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to enforce the flight restrictions.
Drone operators with legitimate reasons to fly during the restricted period have been advised to apply for permission through the police.
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