Authorities in the United Kingdom have announced temporary airspace restrictions and enhanced security measures in Windsor ahead of the state visit of Bola Tinubu scheduled for next week.
According to Thames Valley Police, the measures are part of a comprehensive security operation coordinated with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household and other partners to ensure the safety of dignitaries, residents and visitors during the event.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of the force’s Joint Operations Unit said the airspace restriction represents only one component of the extensive security arrangements 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 on Wednesday.
He noted that the police have extensive experience in managing large royal events in Windsor and that significant planning has been carried out to ensure the occasion proceeds smoothly and safely.
Authorities confirmed that while Windsor Castle already has a permanent airspace restriction throughout the year, the security perimeter will be extended on Wednesday, March 18, to strengthen safety measures for the visit.
The temporary restriction, implemented in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority, will run from 7:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on the day.
Hall warned that violating the restriction would constitute a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order, adding that enforcement would be strict.
“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 said.
Security operations will also include the deployment of specialist units such as search teams, mounted police, roads policing officers and armed personnel. Community policing teams and Project Servator officers will also be present to engage with the public.
Officials added that the operation would utilise Windsor’s extensive CCTV network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers and other protective systems to maintain public safety.
Police further urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity by calling 101 or approaching officers on duty. In case of emergencies, the public has been advised to dial 999.
