A Canadian is among 19 people released from captivity following a military raid in Nigeria.

Released hostage Robert Croke of Torbay, N.L., talks to a journalist Thursday at the Nigerian air force base at Port Harcourt. (Austin Ekeinde/Reuters) Robert Croke, a father of three sons and a resident of Torbay, N.L., was taken hostage during a Nov. 8 attack on an oil rig operating off the coast of the African country.

Croke was taken hostage along with two Americans, two French citizens and two people from Indonesia.

Croke's wife, Gayle, told CBC she had spoken with him briefly about his release.

"Everybody is so happy," she said Wednesday. "I just can't wait to see him now,"

"He seemed in very good spirits, very happy to have been released," she said.

Gayle Croke also said her husband is receiving medical treatment for a bullet wound in one of his feet.

'Pretty horrifying 9 days': buddy

John Roach said that before Robert Croke left, he and his friend discussed the risk of being kidnapped.

"He said, 'Boy, we never have anything to worry about," Roach said.

"He said, 'We have lots of security wherever we go.' It was just such a shock because he was so confident in the security. And for this to happen, it was a pretty horrifying nine days for us."

Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said in a statement that he was "greatly relieved to confirm that Mr. Croke has been released and is now safe.

"I have ensured that through our officials he receives consular assistance and is able to be reunited with his family as soon as possible," Cannon said. "We would like to thank everyone who worked to ensure a safe and peaceful resolution to this incident."

Gunmen attacked the oil rig, which is operated by London-based Afren PLC, and a supply ship about 11 kilometres off the Nigerian state of Akwa Ibom.

Others released

A negotiator told The Associated Press that 19 hostages were freed on Wednesday after a military operation that saw the release of the Afren workers along with seven Exxon Mobil Corp. employees who were taken from an oil platform this week. Five other hostages were also freed.

The negotiator spoke on condition of anonymity as the military operation was continuing.

The French Foreign Ministry confirmed that the two French citizens have also been released. In a statement, the ministry welcomed the "happy ending" and thanked all those who helped win their release.

with files from The Associated Press