The United Kingdom will impose strict airspace restrictions and deploy armed police officers in Windsor ahead of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s upcoming state visit hosted by King Charles III.
President Tinubu is expected to arrive next week alongside his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, for a series of ceremonial engagements beginning with a reception at Windsor Castle.
In preparation for the visit, Thames Valley Police announced that security measures across Windsor would be significantly strengthened, including the extension of existing airspace restrictions around Windsor Castle.
The force disclosed the development in a statement published on its official website, noting that it is working closely with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household, and other security partners to ensure the visit proceeds safely.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit said the airspace limitations form part of a comprehensive security strategy designed for the high-profile diplomatic event.
“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 added that the police force has extensive experience managing security for royal events in Windsor and had conducted detailed planning ahead of 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.
Hall warned that authorities would strictly enforce the airspace restrictions, stressing that violations could attract criminal penalties.
“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 stated.
To secure the area, the police will deploy officers with specialist capabilities, including search teams, mounted police, roads policing units, and armed officers. Neighbourhood policing teams and Project Servator officers will also be stationed across Windsor to interact with the public and enhance 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 Windsor’s extensive closed-circuit television (CCTV) network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, and additional undisclosed security arrangements.
“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 added.
Residents and visitors have been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel during the visit.
“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 said.
Thames Valley Police also announced that road closures and parking restrictions will be implemented next week, with possible temporary disruptions to traffic in and around Windsor.
The police said enforcement of the flight restrictions will be carried out with support from the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services. Individuals with legitimate reasons to operate drones during the period have been advised to request permission through the designated police email channel.
