Authorities in the United Kingdom (UK) have introduced temporary road closures and expanded airspace restrictions in Windsor as preparations intensify for the state visit of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tinubu is expected to arrive on Wednesday, March 18, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, for the visit hosted by King Charles III. An official reception is scheduled to hold at Windsor Castle.
Ahead of the visit, Thames Valley Police said it is working closely with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household and other partners to coordinate security arrangements and ensure the programme proceeds without incident.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the police confirmed that existing permanent airspace restrictions around Windsor Castle will be extended on March 18 from 7:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. as part of the security plan.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit said the flight limitations are one of several measures being implemented 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.
He noted that security agencies in the area are accustomed to managing similar arrangements during royal events in Windsor and emphasised that significant planning had gone into the preparations.
Hall also warned that any breach of the restrictions would attract strict enforcement.
“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.
Police said the security operation will involve officers with specialist capabilities, including search teams, mounted units, road policing officers and armed personnel.
These officers will work alongside neighbourhood policing teams and Project Servator units deployed across Windsor.
Other measures include the use of the town’s extensive closed-circuit television surveillance system and the installation of hostile vehicle mitigation barriers to strengthen public safety throughout the visit.
Residents and visitors have been advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity by contacting the police via 101 or speaking directly with officers on duty, while emergency situations should be reported through 999.
Authorities also confirmed that road closures and parking restrictions will begin from Tuesday, March 17, with traffic disruptions expected in several parts of Windsor during the visit.
Thames Valley Police added that it is collaborating with the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to enforce the temporary flight restrictions, noting that anyone needing to operate drones during the restricted period must seek prior approval from the police.
