Authorities in the United Kingdom have announced road closures and temporary airspace restrictions ahead of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s arrival for a state visit hosted by Charles III.
Tinubu is expected to begin the visit on Wednesday, March 18, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, with an official reception scheduled to be held at Windsor Castle.
In a statement published on Wednesday, Thames Valley Police said it is working with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household, and other security partners to ensure a smooth and secure visit.
According to the police, the permanent airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle will be extended on March 18 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. as part of heightened security arrangements for the visit.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit said the airspace limitations are only one element of a broader security operation planned for the 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 noted that the force has extensive experience in managing security during royal events in Windsor and that significant planning and preparation have gone into the operation.
Hall warned that authorities would strictly enforce the restrictions, stressing that any violation would constitute a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could result in arrest.
“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.
The police also disclosed that officers with specialised capabilities—including search teams, mounted units, road policing officers, and armed personnel—will be deployed across Windsor, alongside neighbourhood policing teams and Project Servator resources.
Authorities will further rely on Windsor’s extensive closed-circuit television network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, and other security measures to ensure safety throughout the visit.
Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity by calling 101 or speaking with officers on duty, while emergencies should be reported via 999.
Meanwhile, road closures and parking restrictions will take effect from Tuesday, March 17, and temporary traffic disruptions are expected in and around Windsor during the visit. Thames Valley Police added that it is working with the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to enforce the flight restrictions. Individuals with legitimate reasons to operate drones during the restricted period have been advised to contact the police for clearance.
