British authorities have announced extensive security measures ahead of the planned state visit of Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, to Windsor next week.
President Tinubu is scheduled to arrive in the United Kingdom with his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday, March 18, where they will be received at Windsor Castle by King Charles III.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Thames Valley Police said it is collaborating with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household and other security agencies to ensure the visit proceeds safely.
According to the police, the existing airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle will be expanded for the day of the visit. The restrictions will apply from 7:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on March 18 as part of the wider security arrangements.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of the Thames Valley Police Joint Operations Unit explained that the airspace controls form only one element of a comprehensive security operation planned for the president’s visit.
Hall noted that the police have considerable experience managing security for royal ceremonies and major state occasions in Windsor, adding that detailed preparations had been carried out ahead of the event.
He warned that authorities would strictly enforce the airspace restrictions, stressing that any violation would amount to a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could lead to arrest.
Security around Windsor will involve a large deployment of officers, including specialist teams such as search units, mounted officers, road policing teams and armed personnel. Neighbourhood officers and Project Servator units will also be present to engage with members of the public.
In addition, authorities will rely on Windsor’s wide network of closed-circuit television cameras, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers and other security arrangements that have not been publicly disclosed.
Hall urged residents and visitors to remain alert and assist law enforcement by reporting suspicious behaviour. Members of the public can contact police through the non-emergency number 101 or speak directly with officers on duty, while emergencies should be reported through 999.
Meanwhile, traffic management measures will also be introduced ahead of the visit. Road closures and parking restrictions are expected to begin on Tuesday, March 17, which could lead to temporary disruptions in parts of Windsor.
Thames Valley Police said the enforcement of the temporary airspace controls will be carried out with support from the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services.
Individuals with legitimate reasons to operate drones during the restricted period have been advised to submit requests to the police through the designated email channel.
