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NCC to Curb SIM Fraud with New Platform

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  The Nigerian Communications Commission has unveiled plans to introduce a Telecoms Identity Risk Management System platform to tackle SIM-related fraud, strengthen digital security and boost confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy. The Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Aminu Maida, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday at a stakeholders’ consultative forum on the proposed platform and planned regulatory changes. Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said the Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number, commonly known as SIM or mobile phone number, had become central to financial transactions, digital identity and access to services, but warned that its widespread use had also created vulnerabilities. He noted that fraudulent activities linked to recycled, swapped, churned and barred SIMs had emerged as a major channel for identity theft and financial crimes, weakening trust in digital platforms. He said, “The Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number commonly known as the SIM or mobile phone number has evolved into a critical identifier underpinning financial transactions, digital authentication, and access to essential services across all sectors of our economy. “This evolution, however, has created new and challenging vulnerabilities. The fraudulent use of churned, recycled, swapped, and barred MISISDN’s has become a significant vector for financial fraud and identity theft, eroding public trust in our digital platforms and undermining the identity of systems we have worked hard to build. “It is in direct response to these challenges that the Commission has initiated the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System Platform.” According to him, the platform will allow service providers to verify mobile numbers flagged for suspicious or fraudulent activities before granting access, a move expected to reduce exposure to fraud and improve accountability. He added that the system would enhance coordination among regulators, financial institutions and security agencies to build a more resilient digital ecosystem. To support the rollout, the commission has proposed amendments to its Quality of Service Business Rules and the Registration of Communications Subscribers framework. The proposed changes require telecom operators to notify subscribers at least 14 days before recycling their lines and to upload details of churned numbers to the platform within seven days. The amendments also introduce stricter provisions for blocking fraudulently registered or misused SIMs, aimed at improving transparency and protecting consumers. Maida said the initiative reflects the commission’s commitment to collaboration and a whole-of-government approach to addressing digital risks, urging stakeholders to actively contribute to shaping the framework. Also speaking, the Director of Cybersecurity and Internet Governance at the commission, Olatokunbo Oyeleye, said trust remains critical to the digital economy. “As rightly noted, digital trust is the operating licence of modern economy. Without it, nothing scales and with it everything accelerates. For our sector, this trust must be embedded across the entire value chain,” she said. The PUNCH earlier reported that the NCC proposed that telecom operators must give subscribers a minimum of 14 days’ notice before deactivating their SIM cards over inactivity or post-paid churn. The proposal was contained in a consultation paper titled Stakeholders Consultation Process for the Telecoms Identity Risks Management Platform, dated February 2026 and published on the Commission’s website. Under the proposed amendments to the Quality-of-Service Business Rules, the NCC stated that “prior to churning of a post-paid line, the Operator shall send a notification to the affected subscriber through an alternative line or an email on the pending churning of his line.” It added, “This notification shall be sent at least 14 days before the final date for the churn of the number.” A similar provision was proposed for prepaid subscribers. The commission said, “prior to churning of a pre-paid line, the Operator shall send a notification to the affected subscriber through an alternative line or an email on the pending churning of his line,” stressing again that the notice “shall be sent at least 14 days before the final date for the churn of the number.”  

APC Convention: FG Orders Workers to Work from Home

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  The Federal Government has directed civil servants working within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja to work from home on Friday, March 27, 2026, ahead of the national convention of the All Progressives Congress. The directive was contained in a circular issued and signed by Abdul Garba, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, for the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. According to the circular, all access roads leading to and around the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phases I, II and III, will be closed from Friday, March 27, to Saturday, March 28, 2026. “All Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, Agencies and Offices located within the Federal Secretariat, Phases I, II & III are hereby informed of the closure of all access roads leading to and around the said Federal Secretariat Complex, from Friday, 27th to Saturday, 28th March, 2026,” the statement read. The government explained that the measure was necessitated by the use of Eagle Square for the APC national convention. “This is due to the use of Eagle Square for the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Party on the said dates,” the circular stated. It further directed that workers in affected offices should stay off-site on the specified day. “Accordingly, all personnel whose offices are located within Phases I, II and III of the Federal Secretariat Complex as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are to work from home on Friday, 27th March, 2026,” it added. The government also tasked heads of ministries, departments and agencies to ensure strict compliance with the directive. “All concerned Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Agencies are kindly requested to bring the content of this Circular to the attention of their staff, and ensure strict compliance,” the circular stated. The directive comes as the APC prepares to hold its national convention at Eagle Square, Abuja, a major political gathering expected to attract party leaders, delegates, and supporters from across the country. The convention, which will be held on Friday, is a key event where party officials are expected to deliberate on internal matters and set the tone for future political activities, including preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.  

Nigerians to see Better Electricity Supply Within Two Weeks – Adelabu’s Aide

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  The Chief Technical Adviser to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Olowoniyi, says Nigerians should begin to see gradual improvement in electricity supply as maintenance work on a major gas pipeline nears completion, with full restoration expected within two weeks. Olowoniyi stated this on Thursday while appearing on Arise TV, days after the minister, Adebayo Adelabu, issued a public apology over the persistent power outages that have deepened hardship across homes, businesses, schools and industries in recent weeks. Defending the minister’s apology, Olowoniyi said it reflected strong leadership rather than an admission of personal culpability. “I think, first of all, I’d like to start with the apology from the Honourable Minister, which we believe is all about taking leadership in the sector. “Not necessarily directly his fault for the challenges that we have, but as the Minister of Power, he just took—it was the right leadership step to say, okay, I take ownership of this issue, and I’m going to prefer a solution that would ensure power supply comes back in the shortest available time,” Olowoniyi said. He explained that the current crisis was largely driven by disruptions to a key gas pipeline that supplies fuel to power plants, noting that about 75 per cent of Nigeria’s electricity generation is gas-dependent. “One of the major gas pipelines in Nigeria was undergoing maintenance, and gradually that process is being completed. We’re sure that within the next two weeks, full gas pressure will be back on the gas pipelines, and the power plants will be able to get enough gas at least to go back to their level of generation that they had in the last two to three months,” he said. Olowoniyi expressed confidence that the recovery process had already begun, saying improvements would be gradual but steady. “I would already say that from yesterday, we would have gradually started to see some improvement as the pressure on the pipeline gradually starts to build up, and we will see continuous improvement over the next couple of weeks,” he said. The development follows Adelabu’s public apology on Tuesday in Abuja, where he told Nigerians that the outages were caused by factors beyond the government’s immediate control but gave a firm two-week timeline for recovery. “I can tell you, with the committee that we have set up, and commitments from gas suppliers, and the timeline for repair of the gas pipelines, two weeks from now, we should start seeing improvements in supply. Two weeks,” Adelabu had said. The minister also reiterated the Federal Government’s target of ramping up electricity generation to 6,000 megawatts before the end of 2026, describing the current disruption as a temporary setback. Nigeria’s power sector has long grappled with a combination of inadequate gas supply, ageing infrastructure, transmission bottlenecks and persistent liquidity challenges across the value chain.

PDP Crisis: Wike Camp Declares Party Is Stable Ahead of Convention

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  The Peoples Democratic Party leadership, backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday said the party had regained stability after weeks of internal tensions and legal disputes, as it prepares for its national convention on March 29 and 30. Speaking at the party’s 107th National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja on Monday, the Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, told party leaders that recent state and zonal congresses were largely successful, though he acknowledged underlying strains within the party. “We have made significant progress in stabilising our structures and restoring confidence in our party. “There is no victor and no vanquished—only a shared commitment to rebuild, reposition, and strengthen our party,” Mohammed said. The meeting comes amid lingering factional disagreements and court cases that have tested the opposition party’s cohesion in recent months. He added that recent court rulings had been handled “with a spirit of reconciliation and inclusiveness,” and urged members to move past divisions. “Our party remains open to constructive engagement, dialogue, and reconciliation,” he said. The PDP is scheduled to hold its national convention on March 29 and 30, a gathering expected to determine the party’s leadership direction ahead of future elections. Mohammed described the event as “a critical milestone that will shape the future direction of our party.” He called on party members to avoid actions that could deepen internal rifts. “As we approach the National Convention, I urge all stakeholders to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions. “The eyes of the nation are upon us,” the NCWC Chairman noted. Mohammed also praised party figures who have played roles in recent negotiations and organisational efforts, including former Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who chairs the convention planning committee, and Wike, whom he described as a stabilising influence. “His commitment to the ideals of the PDP, even in challenging times, stands as a testament to true leadership,” Mohammed said of Wike. Despite the conciliatory tone, the NEC meeting highlighted the delicate balance the party must maintain as it attempts to unify competing interests ahead of the convention. Mohammed insisted the PDP remains “a formidable political force and a credible alternative for governance in Nigeria,” but stressed that unity would be critical to sustaining that position. “What is required of us at this moment is unity of purpose, clarity of vision, and commitment to the ideals that bind us together,” he said. Also addressing the NEC, the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa, described the moment as critical for the party’s future and called for caution and collective responsibility. Ohuabunwa commended party leadership and members for conducting ward, local government, state and zonal congresses, describing them as evidence of the PDP’s commitment to democratic principles. He also highlighted the importance of the ongoing electronic registration of members, urging widespread participation. “The ongoing electronic registration of members (e-registration) is a major step in the right direction. It reflects our commitment to modernisation, transparency, and credibility in the management of our Party. “A credible membership register is the foundation of any serious political organisation. It strengthens internal democracy, enhances planning, and builds confidence among members and stakeholders. “I therefore encourage all members across the federation to embrace this process and ensure its success,” he said. On the issue of zoning, Ohuabunwa urged party leaders to approach recommendations with fairness and unity. “I urge members of this distinguished Committee to receive the recommendations of the Zoning Committee with an open mind, guided by equity, justice, and the overriding interest of unity. “No arrangement is perfect, but what is most important is our collective willingness to accommodate one another for the greater good of the Party,” he said. He emphasised that the PDP’s strength lies in its ability to manage differences and remain united. “Distinguished members, the strength of the PDP has never been in uniformity of opinion, but in our ability to manage our differences and emerge stronger as one united family. “Let us therefore rise above personal preferences and sectional interests, and focus on what will preserve the stability, cohesion, and progress of our Party. Nigeria is watching. Our members are watching. The expectations are high. We must not disappoint,” he said. Ohuabunwa called for unity and reaffirmed confidence in the party’s leadership. The meeting comes against the backdrop of a protracted leadership crisis that has plagued the party since November 2025. Governors of the PDP had earlier backed the Ibadan convention held on November 15, which produced Kabiru Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee for a four-year tenure. Leadership was handed over from former Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure ended on December 9. However, a faction loyal to Wike later formed a 13-member Caretaker Committee, naming Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary, among others, with a 60-day mandate. Attempts by both factions to hold meetings at the PDP National Secretariat on November 18 descended into chaos, prompting the Nigeria Police Force to seal the secretariat. Legal battles followed, culminating in a February 12 hearing at the Court of Appeal. On March 9, the court ruled that the Ibadan convention violated the Electoral Act, the Constitution, and the party’s constitution, nullifying the convention that produced Turaki and his committee.

Power Supply Drop Linked to Gas Shortage – Ikeja Electric

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  Electricity distribution company, Ikeja Electric, has attributed the ongoing reduction in electricity supply to a nationwide decline in power generation caused by limited gas supply to thermal power plants. In a public notice issued via its X handle on Monday, the distribution company said the development has significantly affected the volume of energy available on the national grid and, by extension, the allocation to electricity distribution companies. “The ongoing reduction in electricity supply is largely due to a nationwide drop in power generation, caused by limited gas supply to thermal power plants,” the company stated. It explained that the situation has led to a noticeable decrease in the energy received for distribution to customers. “This has significantly reduced the energy available on the national grid and, consequently, the allocation to Ikeja Electric and other distribution companies,” it said. The company acknowledged the impact of the development on customers and appealed for understanding. “We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused by this development and appreciate your patience and understanding during this period,” the notice read. Ikeja Electric also assured customers of its commitment to fair and efficient distribution of the available electricity, saying, “We remain committed to distributing the available power as efficiently and equitably as possible.”

Baruwa Unseats MC Oluomo as NURTW President, takes Control of Secretariat

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  The leadership crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers took a dramatic turn as Tajudeen Baruwa assumed control of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja, dislodging Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, following a series of court rulings that reshaped the union’s power structure. Speaking to journalists at the secretariat after reclaiming control on Monday, Baruwa, flanked by supporters from across the country, said his actions were backed by two court judgments delivered in his favour. Following the victory, he said the union formally notified the Nigerian Police, attaching copies of the court judgments to facilitate the recovery of its secretariat. However, he noted that the responses were not encouraging, prompting the union to send another notice a few days ago, declaring its intention to take over the secretariat and resume duties in line with the court rulings. Baruwa said, “Their body language has not been encouraging despite repeated assurance that we are not going back to foment any trouble as we are a law-abiding union whose only mission is to get back what belonged to them. “But today, as you can see, we are taking over in a peaceful manner, and it is not a forceful takeover but just carrying out the court’s orders. “Again, please be aware that our coming here after two years is to occupy our office, having obtained judgments at both the lower court and the Appeal Court, but they refused to obey court orders after waiting for about two years. We decided to resume back at the office today without causing any violence, and here we are. “Although the other faction attacked one of our members, who is now in the hospital, the situation is under control. We are still open to reconciliation as we are a lawful organization and not a troublemaker. No one is above the law.” In further defence of the takeover, the General Secretary, Suleiman Musa, said that despite several appeals, those occupying the premises unlawfully remained defiant and refused to vacate. Musa stated, “We have notified the police that, on the order of the court, we are coming back to our office today, and we are glad that journalists are here to witness it so that the world will know what is going on here. Baruwa, who is contesting the NURTW leadership, had opposed the inauguration of Oluomo as the union’s new president. Earlier, too, the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal had prohibited interference in the operations of the Baruwa-led NURTW executive. The decision upholds an earlier judgment of the lower court, which was delivered on March 11, 2024, where Baruwa was recognised as the union’s president. A three-member panel comprising Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Nnamdi Dimgba, and Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi dismissed the appeal filed by Najeem Usman Yasin, Tajudeen Agbede, and others, ruling that the appeal lacked merit. It, therefore, upheld the industrial court’s decision, which validated Baruwa’s presidency. The appellate court further awarded N100,000 in costs against the appellants, who are known loyalists of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo. Appellants in the appeal (who were defendants before the NICN) are Yasin, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, Alhaji Aliyu Ore, Kayode Agbeyangi, Alhaji Alhassan Haruna 313, Aliyu Tanimu and Alhaji Hakeem Adeosun. Respondents in the appeal (who were claimants before the NICN) are Baruwa, Bello Adamu, Eugene Job, Danjuma Saidu, Prince Isah Usman, Suleiman Adamu and Odion Olaye JP.

Passengers Injured as Abuja-Kaduna Train Derails

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  Passengers sustained injuries on Monday morning after a train operating on the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor was involved in an incident that forced the service to halt midway through the journey. The passenger train travelling from Kaduna to Abuja failed to reach its destination as scheduled after the disruption occurred along the busy rail line linking the Federal Capital Territory with Kaduna State. A source within the NRC confirmed the development on condition of anonymity, as it is not within his purview to speak on such matters. Passengers on board said the incident happened suddenly, sending shock and panic through the coaches as the train came to an abrupt halt. Some passengers reported hearing a loud bang before the train jolted violently, throwing several occupants off their seats and causing confusion inside the coaches. According to the eyewitness accounts, the Abuja-bound train reportedly collided with another train along the corridor, forcing rail operations to stop temporarily while the situation was assessed. The PUNCH gathered that a number of passengers were injured, with some reportedly sustaining cuts and bruises after being flung against seats and metal fittings inside the train compartments. A social media user, Sada Malumfashi, who claimed to be one of the passengers, described the frightening moment shortly after disembarking from the train, explaining that the sudden jolt caught many people unprepared. The passenger who posted on his X account stressed that the train remained stationary for about 30 minutes before the journey resumed slowly towards Kubwa, an area on the outskirts of Abuja. He said, “Just dropped from the Kaduna-Abuja train. We heard a loud bang, and the train jolted to a stop, flinging people across. Passengers got hit, and most are bleeding and severely injured. The train was delayed for some 30 minutes and resumed to Kubwa. No communication from @info_NRC on anything.” When contacted, the NRC spokesperson, Callistus Unyimadu, also confirmed the development, promising that a statement would be released to that effect. More to come…

Opay Addresses Report of Office Closure, Says NRS Notice Affects Entire Industry

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  OPay Digital Services Limited has dismissed reports that its offices in Lagos and Abuja were sealed by the Nigeria Revenue Service over alleged non-compliance with tax obligations, describing the claims as false and misleading. Reports had circulated on social media and online platforms alleging that the NRS sealed OPay’s Lagos and Abuja offices over non-compliance with Value Added Tax and Company Income Tax obligations under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025. The fintech company said in a statement on Thursday that its offices across Nigeria remain open and fully operational, and that it continues to serve customers, partners and merchants without disruption. “Our attention has been drawn to recent reports circulating on online platforms and social media claiming that our offices in Lagos and Abuja were sealed by the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) over alleged non-compliance with Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025. “Our offices across Nigeria, including Lagos and Abuja, remain open and fully operational, and we continue to serve our customers, partners, and merchants without disruption. “As a responsible financial technology company operating in Nigeria, we are compliant with all applicable tax obligations and regulatory requirements. We work closely and transparently with all relevant government agencies and regulatory authorities to ensure that our operations consistently meet statutory standards,” the company’s management said. OPay said the notice at the centre of the reports arose from an industry-wide directive by the NRS requesting payment platforms to separately display certain statutory charges on their applications to aid reconciliation and transparency. The company said the directive affected multiple operators across the payment industry and was not directed at OPay alone, adding that suggestions that the notice indicated non-payment of taxes were “factually incorrect and misleading.” OPay also criticised what it described as the selective singling out of the company in a matter that concerned the broader industry, saying such reporting appeared calculated to damage its reputation. “The notice referenced in the reports arose from a recent industry-wide directive by the NRS requesting payment platforms to distinctly separate certain statutory charges on their applications for easier reconciliation and transparency. “This administrative clarification affects multiple operators across the industry, not OPay alone. “The suggestion that the notice indicates non-payment of taxes is therefore factually incorrect and misleading. Equally troubling is the selective and deliberate singling out of OPay in a matter that concerns the wider industry. “Such reporting not only distorts the facts but also appears calculated to undermine the reputation of a company that has consistently demonstrated strong compliance, transparency, and cooperation with regulators,” the statement read. The company said it works closely with all relevant government agencies and regulatory authorities to ensure its operations meet statutory standards, adding that it remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s digital economy through secure and inclusive financial services. “For the avoidance of doubt, the information currently circulating online suggesting that OPay is shutting down or our offices have been shut down should be disregarded, as it does not reflect the true situation. “OPay remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s digital economy by providing secure, reliable, and inclusive financial services to millions of users nationwide,” the statement concluded.

Reps Seek Installation of Life-Saving Heart Devices in Public Buildings

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  The House of Representative on Thursday called for the installation of Automated External Defibrillators in government institutions, schools, religious centres and other public buildings across the country as part of measures to improve emergency medical response. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency of Kwara State, Muktar Shagaya, during a plenary session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu. A defibrillator is a life-saving device that delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm in the event of cardiac arrest. Moving the motion, Shagaya expressed concern over the absence of emergency medical devices in most government workplaces despite the high volume of daily human traffic. According to him, cardiac arrest remains one of the leading causes of sudden and unexpected deaths worldwide and often occurs without warning, requiring immediate medical intervention within minutes to prevent fatalities. He said, “Medical science has conclusively established that Automated External Defibrillators are proven, life-saving medical devices capable of restoring normal heart rhythm during cardiac emergencies. Survival rates drop drastically for every minute defibrillation is delayed.” According to him, “Ministries, Departments and Agencies, legislative complexes, courts, schools and other public institutions across Nigeria largely lack emergency medical equipment such as defibrillators and trained first responders.” The lawmaker cited several recent incidents of sudden deaths in public offices, including the case of a female public servant, Pharmacist Bilkisu, who reportedly slumped and died while addressing colleagues in her office on January 5, 2026. He said, “The House recall that on June 24, 2024, a senior official of the Nigerian Customs Service, Andrew Essien, slumped and died within the National Assembly Complex while on official duty. “The House also recalls the painful incident of December 11, 2025, when a sitting Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, collapsed during a public engagement and subsequently died in the course of service to the nation.” Shagaya noted that the deaths occurred in government environments where immediate access to Automated External Defibrillators could have provided timely life-saving interventions. He also pointed out that in countries such as the United States, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, the installation of defibrillators in public buildings is mandatory as part of basic public safety requirements. Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure the immediate installation of Automated External Defibrillators in federal government institutions, schools, NYSC camps, religious houses and other public buildings across the federation, including the National Assembly Complex. Lawmakers also urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure the visible placement of the devices, their regular maintenance and the training of staff in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of AEDs. The House further mandated its Committees on Health and Legislative Compliance to ensure the prompt implementation of the resolution. Health experts have long emphasised the importance of making defibrillators readily available in public places because cardiac arrest can strike without warning, and survival often depends on the speed of intervention. Studies show that the chances of survival decline sharply with every minute that passes without defibrillation. AEDs are designed to be simple to use and can guide bystanders through the process of delivering a life-saving shock before professional medical help arrives. For this reason, many countries have made them standard safety equipment in airports, schools, sports facilities, government buildings and other crowded public spaces. Public health advocates say expanding access to such emergency medical equipment in Nigeria could significantly improve survival rates in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, particularly in busy workplaces and institutions where immediate medical assistance may not always be readily available.

UK Announces Road Closures, no-fly Zones for Tinubu’s State Visit

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  Britain will impose airspace restrictions and deploy armed police officers in Windsor next week as President Bola Tinubu arrives for a state visit hosted by King Charles III. Tinubu is expected to begin the visit in the company of his wife Oluremi Tinubu on Wednesday, March 18, with a reception at Windsor Castle. Thames Valley Police in a statement on its website on Wednesday, said it is working with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household and other security partners. The force said airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle, which are in place permanently throughout the year, would be extended on Wednesday, March 18, to cover the period from 7am to 11.59pm. Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit said the air restrictions formed part of a broader security operation 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.. “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,” Hall said. He said the force would take a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions, warning that any breach would constitute a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could lead to 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.” The police chief said officers with specialist capabilities, including search teams, the Mounted Section, road policing, and armed units, would be deployed across Windsor, alongside neighbourhood policing and Project Servator resources. “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. The authorities will also deploy an extensive closed-circuit television network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, and other undisclosed security measures for the event. Hall 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.” He urged members of the public to support the security operation by remaining vigilant. “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,” Hall added. Road closures and parking restrictions will take effect from Tuesday, March 17, with possible temporary disruption to roads in and around Windsor during the visit. Thames Valley Police said it was being supported by the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to enforce the flight restrictions. Persons with legitimate reasons for drone flying were directed to email TVPAirspaceRequests@thamesvalley.police.uk

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