Nigeria, March 3 -- Nigerian Army troops have stepped up counterterrorism operations in Niger State, engaging armed insurgents in a fierce battle that resulted in the destruction of their hideouts and the recovery of several motorcycles used for criminal activities.

During the operation on Sunday, soldiers carried out a thorough search of Dakwala and Chikuba forests, areas known to be terrorist and kidnapper hideouts.

Unable to withstand the army's firepower, the insurgents fled deeper into the forest, abandoning their supplies.

The troops recovered three motorcycles, which the terrorists used for quick movements and hit-and-run attacks.

They also demolished all camps and structures used by the insurgents, further weakening their oper...