Swiss and Austrian Women Freed from Niger Kidnapping Arrive in Libya

Swiss national Claudia Abbt and Austrian Eva Gretzmacher, kidnapped in Niger more than a year ago, have been freed and are currently in Libya, authorities announced on Thursday.

The 69-year-old Swiss and 76-year-old Austrian women arrived in the eastern city of Benghazi where they received medical treatment. Their release followed an intervention by Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar, who controls eastern and parts of southern Libya.

Both women appeared on an eastern-based TV channel thanking Haftar and his son for securing their freedom. Gretzmacher was abducted in January 2025, and Abbt in April 2025. No group has claimed responsibility, but experts and Nigerien media suggest possible involvement of Islamic State in the Sahel or affiliated jihadist groups.

At the time of their capture, both women were living in Agadez, northern Niger, engaged in education and development initiatives. Swiss authorities report Abbt is doing well and is en route back to Switzerland. Austrian officials confirmed Gretzmacher was received by a crisis response team after diplomatic efforts.

Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis expressed relief at Abbt’s release, while Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger described the ordeal as unimaginable for Gretzmacher and her family.