UK tightens security during Tinubu’s state visit

Security will be beefed up 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, represents the highest-level diplomatic engagement hosted by the British monarchy.

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

There is already a permanent airspace restriction around Windsor Castle, but the exclusion zone will be extended on March 18 from 7am to 11.59pm GMT as part of enhanced security arrangements coordinated with the Civil Aviation Authority.

Adrian Hall, chief superintendent of Thames Valley Police’s joint task force, said the airspace restriction was only part of a wider security operation.

“The air restrictions are just part of our robust security operation for Nigerian President Tinubu’s state visit next week, with many measures you will see and some you won’t,” he said.

“We will take a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions; anyone who breaches them will be committing an offense under the Air Navigation Order and may be arrested.”

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

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

He added that neighborhood officers and teams conducting unpredictable patrols designed to deter and detect criminal activity will also be in the city to engage the public.

Police said they will use Windsor’s extensive CCTV network and hostile vehicle mitigation barriers to ensure the event takes place safely.

“As a force, we have extensive experience policing royal events in Windsor and this event has undergone significant planning and preparation,” Hall said.

“We will ensure that all participants in 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 there may be temporary disruption on roads in and around Windsor during the visit.

Some sidewalks and pedestrian crossings in the city center will also close periodically between 9.30am and 12.30pm on March 17 and 18 to allow for the ceremonial procession.

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

“The public play a vital role in supporting us, so we encourage them to report anything that doesn’t seem right by calling 101 or speaking to one of our officers,” Hall said.

“If there is an immediate threat or emergency, call 999.”

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