Authorities in United Kingdom have announced strict security measures, including airspace restrictions and the deployment of armed officers, ahead of the state visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Windsor next week.
President Tinubu is scheduled to begin the visit on Wednesday, March 18, alongside his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, with an official reception at Windsor Castle hosted by King Charles III.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Thames Valley Police confirmed it is working closely with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household and other security partners to ensure the event proceeds safely.
According to the police, airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle, which normally remain in force year-round, will be expanded on Wednesday, March 18, covering the period from 7:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of the Joint Operations Unit at Thames Valley Police explained that the air restrictions form part of a comprehensive security plan surrounding the presidential 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..
“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,” Hall said.
He added that authorities would strictly enforce the restrictions and warned that any violation would be treated as 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.”
The police official further explained that officers with specialised capabilities would be deployed throughout Windsor during the visit.
These will include search teams, the Mounted Section, road policing units and armed officers, alongside neighbourhood policing teams and personnel from the Project Servator programme tasked with engaging the public and enhancing security awareness.
“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,” Hall said.
Authorities will also rely on an extensive closed-circuit television network and deploy hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, along with other undisclosed security arrangements to safeguard the event.
Hall said, “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.”
He encouraged members of the public to assist security agencies by remaining alert and reporting suspicious activities.
“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,” Hall added.
Police also announced that road closures and parking restrictions will begin on Tuesday, March 17, with the possibility of temporary disruptions to traffic in and around Windsor during the state visit.
Thames Valley Police stated that enforcement of the flight restrictions would be carried out in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services.
Individuals with legitimate reasons to operate drones during the restricted period were advised to contact authorities by email to request special permission.
What you should know
The state visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom highlights diplomatic relations between both nations and reflects the significance of presidential visits hosted by the British monarchy.
Such visits typically involve extensive security arrangements coordinated by multiple agencies.
The presence of King Charles III as host underscores the ceremonial importance of the engagement, while the heavy security deployment in Windsor demonstrates the scale of planning required to protect high-profile international leaders during royal events.
