Authorities in the United Kingdom have announced a series of security measures, including road closures and airspace restrictions, ahead of the planned state visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria.
Truth Live News International learnt from Punch Metro that, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to arrive in the UK alongside the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for a state visit hosted by King Charles III. The visit is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, March 18, with an official reception at Windsor Castle.
In preparation for the event, the Thames Valley Police confirmed that extensive security arrangements have been put in place across Windsor.
The police said in a statement that existing airspace restrictions around Windsor Castle would be extended on March 18, covering the period from 7:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall explained that the restrictions form part of a wider security plan for the high-profile diplomatic visit.
He said, “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 added that the force has extensive experience managing security during royal events in Windsor.
“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.
The police also warned that violations of the airspace restrictions would be treated as criminal offences.
“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,” Hall stated.
According to the police chief, the security operation will involve officers with specialist capabilities, including search teams, mounted units, road-policing teams and armed officers, who will be deployed across Windsor.
“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,” he said.
Authorities also disclosed that an extensive closed-circuit television network, along with hostile vehicle mitigation barriers and other undisclosed measures, would be deployed to ensure safety during the visit.
Hall added, “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.”
Residents and visitors were urged to support the security operation by reporting suspicious activities to the authorities.
“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,” he said.
The police further announced that road closures and parking restrictions will begin on Tuesday, March 17, with possible disruptions expected on roads around Windsor during the state visit.
