Daily Trust in Fresh Embarrassment Over Misleading Photos, Issues Apology but Stands by Deadly Airstrike Report

The Media Trust Group has issued an unreserved apology to readers and the general public over the publication of incorrect photographs on the front page of its flagship newspaper, Daily Trust, on Monday, April 13, 2026—marking yet another troubling lapse in editorial judgment.

In a statement, the organisation admitted that the images used to illustrate its report on the alleged bombing of Jilli Market were not from the incident in question but from earlier attacks in Borno State. The error, it said, followed misleading material supplied by a reporter, who is now facing disciplinary action.

The management acknowledged that the mix-up fell below the standards of accuracy and responsibility expected by its readership, expressing deep regret over the misrepresentation. It added that internal processes, particularly around photo verification, are being urgently reviewed to prevent a recurrence.

Despite the admission, Media Trust insisted that its core report remains unchanged. It maintained that the Nigerian Air Force airstrike on Jilli Market, located along the Yobe–Borno border, resulted in the deaths of over 200 civilians—citing accounts from residents and community leaders.

The apology, however, comes against the backdrop of previous similar retractions by the media house, raising fresh concerns about recurring editorial lapses and the credibility of visual evidence used in its reporting.
While reaffirming its commitment to ethical journalism, Media Trust thanked readers for holding it accountable, an assurance that may do little to quell growing scrutiny over its editorial standards.