Authorities in the United Kingdom have announced heightened security measures in Windsor ahead of the state visit of Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is expected to arrive next week at the invitation of Charles III.
Temporary road closures and expanded airspace restrictions will be enforced across the historic town as part of preparations for the high-level visit.
President Tinubu is scheduled to begin the visit on Wednesday, March 18, accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu. The visit will include an official reception at Windsor Castle.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Thames Valley Police said it is working closely with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household and other security partners to coordinate arrangements for the visit.
According to the police, airspace restrictions already permanently in place over Windsor Castle will be extended on March 18, covering the period between 7:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of the force’s Joint Operations Unit said the restrictions form part of a wider security strategy designed to ensure the visit proceeds without incident.
“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 visible to the public and others operating behind the scenes,” Hall said.
“As a force, we have extensive experience policing Royal events in Windsor, and significant planning and preparation have gone into ensuring the event runs safely.”
Hall warned that authorities would strictly enforce the airspace restrictions, stressing that any violation would constitute a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could lead to arrest.
“We will be taking a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions. Anyone who breaches them will be committing a criminal offence and could be arrested,” he added.
The police said officers with specialist capabilities—including search teams, the Mounted Section, road policing units and armed officers—will be deployed across Windsor. They will operate alongside neighbourhood policing teams and personnel from Project Servator.
Authorities will also rely on Windsor’s extensive closed-circuit television (CCTV) network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers and other undisclosed security measures to safeguard the visit.
Hall urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant and support security efforts by reporting suspicious activity.
“The public plays a critical role in supporting our work,” he said, advising people to report concerns by calling 101 or speaking with officers on duty. In emergencies, members of the public are urged to dial 999.
Road closures and parking restrictions will take effect from Tuesday, March 17, with temporary disruptions expected on routes in and around Windsor throughout the visit.
Thames Valley Police added that it is being supported by the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services in enforcing the flight restrictions.
Individuals with legitimate reasons to operate drones during the restricted period have been advised to submit requests to the police through a designated email channel.
Ahead pf Tinubu’s UK Visit Windsor Tightens Security
