AKIPRESS.COM - The four Australian mining employees, who were kidnapped by gunmen in Nigeria during a terrifying ambush, have been revealed.

Australians Peter Zoutenbier, Jack Couranz and Mark Gabbedy are missing, along with New Zealander Jamal Khan, South African Wayne Smith and Nigerian Austin Adise, Yahoo news reports.

Tim Croot, a 24-year-old mechanic from Perth, managed to flee along with a driver.

The West Australian understands Mr Croot had army reserve training. It was reported he phone his mother Wednesday night to tell her not to worry and that he was OK.

The group’s convoy was ambushed as they were travelling in the country’s southeast, just outside the city of Calabar in the Akpabuyo district.

The group, who worked for West Australian mining company Macmahon Holdings, was targeted about 5.30am on Wednesday (local time).

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull confirmed three Australian citizens and one Australian resident had been kidnapped.

It’s believed the group was travelling to work before the attack unfolded near a bridge crossing.

They were being escorted by a security vehicle with police, when they were targeted.

Local media reported a group of militants ambushed the group before shooting and killing the driver at the scene.

The kidnappers fled with hostages in a nearby boat.