Buhari revealed that the move was a strategy which was being employed in order to ensure the protection of fundamental human rights.

The president made the remark on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, while addressing a special session of the European Union parliament in Strasbourg, France.

“Our aim is to use minimum force necessary in our fight against terrorists,” Buhari said.

“For our part, we have updated our rules of engagement in fighting terrorism and pay very close attention during operations to the treatment of captured terrorists, civilians caught up in the conflict and in general, safeguarding property,” he added.

Buhari had earlier said that the Nigerian government had technically defeated Boko Haram.