UK to restrict airspace, roads during Tinubu’s state visit

Security will be tightened in and around the royal residence next week as King Charles hosts President Bola Tinubu and first lady Oluremi Tinubu at Windsor Castle.

The visit, scheduled for March 18 and 19, is the highest level of diplomatic engagement hosted by the British monarchy.

Thames Valley Police said in a statement that extensive security measures would be in place throughout the town, including a temporary expansion of the airspace restriction over Windsor.

A permanent airspace restriction already exists around Windsor Castle, but the exclusion zone will be extended on March 18 from 7:00 to 23:59 GMT as part of enhanced security arrangements coordinated with the Civil Aviation Authority.

Adrian Hall, chief superintendent of Thames Valley Police’s joint operations unit, said the airspace restriction forms only part of a wider security operation.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Police said a large number of officers with specialist capabilities will be deployed across Windsor during the visit.

These include search teams, armed officers, mounted police and roads policing units.

It added that neighbourhood officers and teams which conduct unpredictable patrols designed to deter and detect criminal activity will also be in town engaging the public.

The police said they would make use of Windsor’s extensive CCTV network and hostile vehicle mitigation barriers to ensure the event runs safely.

“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,” Hall 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.”

Several road closures and parking restrictions will be in place from March 17, with officers warning that temporary disruption could affect roads in and around Windsor during the visit.

Some footways and pedestrian crossings in the town centre will also close periodically between 9:30 and 12:30 on March 17 and 18 to allow for a ceremonial procession.

Police urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

“The public plays a critical role to support 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.

“If there is an immediate threat or emergency, then call 999.” (TheCable)