British authorities have announced airspace restrictions and heightened security measures in Windsor ahead of the state visit of President Bola Tinubu next week.
Tinubu is scheduled to arrive in the United Kingdom with his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday, March 18, for a reception hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle.
In a statement published on its website on Wednesday, Thames Valley Police said it is working with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household and other security agencies to coordinate arrangements for the visit.
The police said existing year-round airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle will be extended on March 18, covering the period from 7 am to 11:59 pm.
Tight Security Measures
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of the Thames Valley Police Joint Operations Unit said the airspace restriction forms part of a broader security operation for the visit.
“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.
RELATED NEWS:
- Tambuwal Finally Quits PDP For ADC, Cites Internal Crisis
- Tinubu Postpones Travel for G20, AU-EU Summits Over Security Concerns
- Tinubu Orders Temporal Suspension of FAAN’s Cashless Policy at Airport Gates
“As a force, we have extensive experience in policing royal events in Windsor and significant planning and preparation have gone into this event.”
Hall warned that the police would strictly enforce the restrictions, noting that any violation would amount to a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could lead to arrest.
“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,” he added.
Armed Officers, CCTV to be Deployed
The police chief said officers with specialised capabilities would be deployed across Windsor during the visit.
These include search teams, mounted police, roads policing officers and armed units, alongside neighbourhood policing teams and Project Servator resources engaging with the public.
Authorities will also deploy an extensive closed-circuit television network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers and other 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 ensure the event runs safely,” Hall said.
He urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.
“The public plays a critical role in supporting 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, call 999,” he said.
Road Closures Expected
Authorities also announced that road closures and parking restrictions will take effect from Tuesday, March 17, with possible temporary disruptions around Windsor during the visit.
Thames Valley Police said it is working with the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to enforce the airspace restrictions.
Individuals with legitimate reasons to operate drones during the period were advised to submit requests via email to the police.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
