Photo of Australian man who managed to escape from the Nigerian kidnappers in Calabar

Three Australians working for a Perth-based mining company in Nigeria were among a group of seven men kidnapped after their vehicle was attacked in the country's south east.

One of the group, West Australian Tim Croot, managed to escape along with a Nigerian driver. Mr Coot is being assisted by consular officials.

The hold-up, in which the driver was also shot dead, happened in the Akpabuyo district near the capital of Cross River State, Calabar, about 7am local time on Wednesday, June 22.

Three Australians, two Nigerians, a New Zealander and a South African were kidnapped in the ambush that killed their Nigerian driver, Australian officials said today.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull the Australian ambassador was on the scene and working with local authorities. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop confirmed Mr. Coot's lucky escape.

"We are treating this extremely seriously as, I understand, is the Nigerian Government. We have some understanding of what occurred. Suffice to say there are seven people currently being held."

Commissioner Ozi-Obeh said police were working with the Nigerian Navy to ensure that the victims were released unharmed.

The commissioner also said no ransom demand had been received.

Source: The West Australian