Authorities in the United Kingdom will impose airspace restrictions and deploy armed police officers in Windsor ahead of the visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu next week.
Tinubu is expected to begin the state visit on Wednesday, March 18, with a reception hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle. He will be accompanied by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
In a statement published on its website, Thames Valley Police said it is working closely with Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household and other security partners to ensure the visit is conducted safely.
According to the police, airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle, which already exist year-round, will be extended on March 18 from 7 a.m. until 11:59 p.m.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of the Joint Operations Unit said the flight restrictions are part of wider security arrangements for the high-profile 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.
He added that the police would strictly enforce the restrictions, warning that any breach would constitute a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could lead to arrest.
The security operation will also involve the deployment of specialist police units including search teams, mounted officers, road policing teams and armed units. Neighbourhood officers and Project Servator teams will also be present to engage with the public.
Authorities said additional measures such as the extensive closed-circuit television network in Windsor and hostile vehicle mitigation barriers would be used to ensure safety during the visit.
Hall urged members of the public to support the operation by reporting suspicious activity through the non-emergency number 101 or by contacting officers on duty. In emergencies, residents were advised to dial 999.
Road closures and parking restrictions will take effect from Tuesday, March 17, with possible disruptions to traffic in and around Windsor during the visit.
Thames Valley Police said it is being supported by the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to enforce the temporary airspace restrictions.
