Nigeria, Nov. 26 -- The House of Representatives on Wednesday continued its special session on national security, with lawmakers issuing the starkest warnings yet about the deteriorating security situation.

Members described the recent mass abductions, killings, and coordinated attacks across several states as evidence that the country is struggling to protect citizens.

The session, which began on Tuesday, was held at the National Assembly complex, following a series of abductions and the rescue of some schoolgirls in Kebbi, developments repeatedly described as a "national tragedy" by lawmakers.

In an emotionally charged debate that stretched for hours, lawmakers from all six geopolitical zones recounted personal tragedies, community s...