Authorities in the United Kingdom will impose temporary airspace restrictions and deploy armed police officers in Windsor ahead of a state visit by Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu is expected to arrive with the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday, March 18, for a reception at Windsor Castle hosted by King Charles III.
In a statement published on Wednesday, the Thames Valley Police said it was working closely with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household and other security partners to ensure a safe and secure event.
According to the police, airspace restrictions that are normally in place around Windsor Castle throughout the year will be extended on March 18 from 7:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of the police force’s Joint Operations Unit said the restrictions form part of a broader security operation planned for the visit.
“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 policing major royal events in Windsor and that detailed planning had gone into the preparations.
The police warned that anyone who violates the airspace restrictions would be committing a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could face arrest.
Security arrangements for the visit will also include the deployment of officers with specialist capabilities such as search teams, the Mounted Section, road policing units and armed officers.
“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 said the operation would also utilise the town’s extensive closed-circuit television network and hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, alongside other undisclosed security measures.
“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,” Hall added.
Residents and visitors have been urged to support the security operation by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities.
The police advised members of the public to report concerns through the non-emergency line 101 or speak to 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 disruptions are expected 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 during the state visit.
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