The United Kingdom (UK) has disclosed it would tighten security for President Bola Tinubu’s state visit hosted by King Charles III, which is scheduled for March 18 and 19, 2026.
This was disclosed by the Thames Valley Police on their website, stating it was closely working with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household, and other security partners, adding that there would be a temporary expansion of the already-existing airspace restriction over Windsor Castle.
The Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
According to reports, a large number of officers would be deployed in and around Windsor, including specialized police units such as search teams, armed officers, mounted police, and roads policing units.
He further stated that neighborhood officers would conduct spontaneous patrols aimed at deterring and detecting criminal activities.
The chief superintendent also said, “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, “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. If there is an immediate threat or emergency, then call 999.”
