Credit: Pinterest
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Claim: A viral image circulating on social media claims to show a military base in Benguma, Sierra Leone.
Verdict: False. Findings indicate that the image was digitally altered and does not represent the Benguma Military Barracks.
Full Text
A widely shared Facebook photo shows a heavily armed military base at Benguma, located outside Freetown.
Benguma Military Barracks is one of the major military bases in Sierra Leone and serves as an important training and accommodation centre for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF). It is located in Benguma town, about 30 miles east of Freetown, and its main purpose is to train military recruits, house soldiers and their families, and support national security operations.
The claim posted on Facebook attracted 386 likes, 27 comments, and 5 shares, with some users believing it showed a recent military development in Sierra Leone. A similar post was also shared here.
Because of its potential to mislead, DUBAWA decided to fact-check it.
Verification
DUBAWA examined the viral image and identified several signs suggesting it was not authentic. The investigation indicated that the image had been digitally manipulated, with certain elements appearing to have been copied and inserted to exaggerate the military presence. Inconsistencies in shadows, lighting, and object placement were also observed, which are common indicators of image editing.
Image analysis by FotoForensics
Using the digital forensic tool JPEGsnoop, DUBAWA found that the image showed signs of processing consistent with the JPEG Independent JPEG Group (IJG) library. The analysis suggested possible use of image-editing software such as GIMP, IrfanView, Paint.NET, or XnView. It also indicated that the image did not correspond to any known camera brand or model.
Image analysis by JPEGsnoop
Additionally, no credible media organisation in Sierra Leone reported the existence of such a military structure or operation at Benguma. There was also no official statement from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) confirming the viral image.
Conclusion
The claim that the viral photo shows a military base in Benguma, Sierra Leone, is false. Findings indicate that the image was digitally manipulated. There is no verified evidence from credible media outlets or official military sources supporting the image’s authenticity.
