By Franklin Adole
The United Kingdom has announced strict airspace and road restrictions in Windsor ahead of the state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu scheduled for next week.
Authorities said the measures are part of a major security operation designed to ensure the safety of dignitaries, spectators, and residents during the high-profile visit.
In a statement on Wednesday, Thames Valley Police said the restrictions were being implemented in partnership with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household, and other security partners.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of the force’s Joint Operations Unit said the airspace restrictions were only one component of a wide-ranging security plan for 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,” Hall said.
He explained that the police had extensive experience policing royal and state events in Windsor and that detailed planning had gone into preparations for the visit.
“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,” he said.
“We will ensure everyone attending the state visit, including dignitaries and spectators, as well as the public, are kept safe to enjoy the historic occasion.”
Authorities noted that Windsor Castle already operates under a permanent airspace restriction throughout the year, but the restriction would be extended on Wednesday, March 18, to strengthen security during the visit.
The temporary restriction will run from 7:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority.
Hall warned that any violation of the restricted airspace 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,” he said.
Police also announced the deployment of additional officers to Windsor, including specialist units such as search teams, mounted police, roads policing officers, and armed response units.
Neighbourhood officers and Project Servator teams will also be deployed to interact with the public and provide additional security.
Authorities said the operation would make use of Windsor’s extensive CCTV network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, and other protective infrastructure to secure the event.
Police further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
“The public plays a critical role in supporting us, so we encourage them to report anything that does not seem quite right by calling 101 or speaking to one of our officers,” Hall said.
“In the event of an immediate threat or emergency, members of the public should call 999.”