The United Kingdom authorities have announced temporary road closures and extended airspace restrictions ahead of the state visit of Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, scheduled for next week.
Tinubu is expected to arrive in the UK on Wednesday, March 18, alongside the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for a state visit hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle.
In a statement, the Thames Valley Police said an extensive security operation has been planned to ensure the safety of the visit, including enhanced airspace restrictions over Windsor.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of the Joint Operations Unit explained that the airspace limitations would be enforced throughout the day of the visit.
“The air restrictions form part of a comprehensive security arrangement for the state visit of President Tinubu next week,” Hall said.
He noted that security agencies have made extensive preparations for the event, stressing that the police have significant experience in managing high-profile royal engagements in Windsor.
“As a force, we have considerable experience policing major royal events in Windsor, and a great deal of planning has gone into ensuring this visit takes place safely,” he added.
Hall warned that any attempt to breach the airspace restriction would be treated as a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order.
“We will enforce these restrictions strictly. Anyone who violates them will be committing an offence and may face arrest,” he said.
The police also revealed that multiple specialist units would be deployed during the visit, including armed officers, road policing teams, mounted officers, and search units.
According to Hall, officers will be stationed across Windsor to maintain security and engage with members of the public.
“We will deploy officers with specialist capabilities, including search teams, the Mounted Section, Roads Policing and armed units, while neighbourhood policing teams will also be present to interact with residents and visitors,” he said.
Authorities further disclosed that surveillance systems and protective barriers would be used to strengthen security around key locations.
“We will rely on Windsor’s extensive CCTV network and install hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, alongside several other security measures that may not be visible to the public,” Hall explained.
Meanwhile, residents and visitors have been advised to expect traffic disruptions as road closures and parking restrictions will begin on Tuesday, March 17.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities during the period.
“The public has an important role in helping us maintain safety. We encourage anyone who notices suspicious behaviour to report it immediately,” Hall stated.
The security arrangements are being coordinated with aviation authorities, including the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services, to ensure compliance with the temporary flight restrictions.
