BENGHAZI: Two European women who were held captive for more than a year after being kidnapped separately in Niger have been freed and handed over to authorities in the Libyan city of Benghazi.
Austrian national Eva Gretzmacher, 76, and Swiss citizen Claudia Abbt, 69, were abducted in the northern Nigerien city of Agadez in January and April 2025, respectively.
The circumstances surrounding their release have not been disclosed, and authorities have provided no details about their captors or any demands made during the kidnappings. Some earlier reports had linked the abductions to Islamic State militants.
The Austrian and Swiss governments have confirmed the release of their citizens.
Switzerland’s foreign ministry said federal officials had met Abbt in Benghazi, where she received medical care. She was subsequently reported to be on her way back to Switzerland.
Austria also confirmed Gretzmacher’s release, attributing it to intensive diplomatic efforts.
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said the government was relieved that Gretzmacher was free after more than 21 months in captivity. She added that officials had worked discreetly with regional, European and international partners to secure her release.