ABUJA — A court in Abuja convicted more than 300 terrorism suspects in a mass trial that spanned four days, beginning Tuesday. Many of the suspects pleaded guilty to charges brought by the Nigerian government and appeared before a panel of 10 judges over the course of the proceedings.

Many of those convicted were sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. Nigeria's attorney general said the government presented approximately 508 cases to the court during the trial and secured 386 convictions by its conclusion.

"In total, we brought about 508 cases. Of these 508, we were able to secure 386 convictions," the attorney general said.

The attorney general also addressed the significance of the outcome. "We have been able to bring justice to them, or bring them to justice. So this is the clear signal that we are sending," he said.

The mass trial took place as Nigeria continues to contend with a complex security crisis across much of its northern region. An insurgency in the country's northeast has persisted for more than a decade, and according to the United Nations, has resulted in the deaths and displacement of many people across the affected areas. Criminal gangs that kidnap for ransom are also active in the country.

Among the most prominent Islamic militant groups operating in Nigeria are Boko Haram and its breakaway faction known as Islamic State West Africa Province, which is affiliated with the Islamic State group. A separate IS-linked group called Lakurawa operates in communities in northwestern Nigeria bordering the Niger Republic.