Eva Gretzmacher and Claudia Abbt, who were kidnapped separately in Niger in 2025, have been freed and transferred to Libya after more than a year and a half in captivity.

Benghazi, Libya — Two European women kidnapped separately in Niger in 2025 have been released after prolonged captivity and transferred to the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, according to officials from Austria and Switzerland.

Austrian aid worker Eva Gretzmacher, 76, was abducted in Agadez, northern Niger, in January 2025. Swiss national Claudia Abbt, 69, was kidnapped in the same city three months later.

Both women had lived in Niger for years before their abductions. Gretzmacher had spent more than two decades in the country, while Abbt had also established a long-term presence there.

Their release follows months of efforts involving European authorities and regional partners.

Austria and Switzerland Confirm Release of Kidnapped Nationals

Austria’s government confirmed that Gretzmacher had been received by its crisis response team after more than 21 months in captivity.

Swiss authorities also confirmed Abbt’s release, saying she had received medical attention in Benghazi and was travelling home.

Officials from both countries said they had worked closely with international and regional partners to secure the women’s freedom.

Neither government publicly disclosed the details of the negotiations or the arrangements that led to their release.

The identities of those responsible for the kidnappings have also not been officially established.

Khalifa Haftar and Son Acknowledged Following Release

Following their transfer to Benghazi, the two women appeared publicly and thanked eastern Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar and his son, Saddam Haftar.

The appearance drew attention to the involvement of authorities in eastern Libya, although the precise role played by Haftar’s forces in securing their release has not been fully explained.

Some reports have suggested that militants linked to the Islamic State group in the Sahel may have been responsible for the abductions.

However, neither Austria nor Switzerland has officially confirmed who held the women captive.

Niger’s Security Crisis Continues Amid Militant Violence

The kidnappings took place against a backdrop of persistent insecurity in Niger, particularly in regions affected by armed groups operating across the Sahel.

Militants affiliated with Islamic State and al-Qaeda have carried out attacks on civilians and security forces, while kidnappings remain a serious security concern.

Niger’s security challenges have continued since the military seized power in July 2023, removing the country’s elected government.

Despite repeated security operations, armed groups remain active in parts of Niger and neighbouring Sahel countries.

The release of Gretzmacher and Abbt ends their prolonged captivity, although questions remain about who abducted them and how their freedom was secured.