Jamal Khan, the New Zealander freed after being kidnapped in Nigeria last week, is believed to be a Bay of Plenty man.

Media sources have confirmed Jamal, who was part of a convoy in which the driver was killed in an ambush in Calabar, south-east Nigeria, was not yet well enough to return to New Zealand. He is a member of a widely-respected Ngongotaha family.

The workers were from Macmahon Holdings' site in Calabar, Nigeria. Photo: MACMAHON HOLDINGS.

Jamal's immediate family has requested privacy.

He was one of four rescued by Nigerian security forces, with the remainder later released.

Radio NZ today reported Jamal was part of a convoy of Perth-based mining company Macmahon Holdings employees driving to work at 5.30am local time in Calabar when the group came under attack.

Radio NZ has reported New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) refused to answer questions over the former Rotorua man's health and overall situation today.

'The ministry has no further comment to make on the release of the New Zealander kidnapped in Nigeria last week,” a spokeswoman quoted by Radio NZ says. 'We remain in contact with the man's next of kin who have requested their privacy be respected.”

The injured New Zealander freed from kidnappers who ambushed a police convoy in Nigeria last week in and killed a driver is not yet well enough to return home.

Jamal was part of a convoy of Perth-based mining company Macmahon Holdings employees driving to work at 5.30am local time in Calabar, south-east Nigeria, when the group came under attack.

Armed militants shot dead local driver Matthew Odok and snatched Jamal and six workmates, including three Australians, a South African and two Nigerians. A former Australian army reserve soldier managed to escape. The abducted group were held for four days before their release.

Little is known about the circumstances of their ordeal, where they were kept, or how they were freed. No ransom was paid.

Prime Minister John Key confirmed on Monday Jamal had sustained injuries, which were not life-threatening.