Swiss and Austrian Women Freed After 18 Months in Niger

Two European women kidnapped more than 18 months ago in Niger have been released and flown home, officials confirmed on 22 October 2026. Austrian development worker Eva Gretzmacher, 76, and Swiss community worker Claudia Abbt, 69, were freed from captivity in the Sahel and handed over to authorities in Benghazi, eastern Libya, before being repatriated to Europe. The Niger kidnapping case had drawn international attention amid a surge in abductions linked to jihadist groups in the region.

Background: How the Agadez kidnappings unfolded

Gretzmacher was seized by armed men from her home in the Fada district of Agadez on 11 January 2025. She had lived in the central Nigerien city since 1997, running the non-profit AMANAY association focused on education, health, ecology and crafts. A few months later, on 13 April 2025, Abbt was abducted at gunpoint from her residence in the Dagmanett 2 neighbourhood of Agadez. Abbt, who moved to Agadez from Algeria and is married to a Nigerien national, founded the artisan-support organisation Tellit. Both women were later transferred to multiple locations in the Gao Region of neighbouring Mali, including areas near Asongo, Ménaka and Adéramboukane.

The cases mirror a wider pattern of Sahel kidnapping and ransom operations targeting foreigners and aid workers. Austrian and Swiss authorities both confirmed the releases on Thursday after days of unconfirmed reports.

Release and return to Europe

Following their release, the women were taken to Benghazi for medical checks and then flown toward Vienna and Switzerland. Austria's foreign ministry described a "long, complex, and highly sensitive diplomatic process." Switzerland said Abbt received medical care in Benghazi and was returning home after more than 18 months. In a video broadcast by Libya's al-Masar TV, Abbt thanked eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar and his son Saddam, who reportedly oversaw the release operation.

"I am very happy that I have been released. I thank Haftar and his son, General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, for everything they have done to free us. Thank you very much."

Christoph, Gretzmacher's son, had previously told RTL Nieuws about his efforts to secure her freedom, including contacting General Haftar, who had successfully mediated in other kidnappings. The release followed months of diplomatic pressure and reports that ransom demands were lowered in May 2026 as Gretzmacher's health deteriorated critically.

Who was behind the Niger kidnappings?

No group initially claimed responsibility for the abductions, but on 29 April 2025 the Islamic State – Sahel Province (ISSP) published a proof-of-life photo of Gretzmacher and claimed the kidnappings. Investigators believe ISSP likely used subcontractors to seize the women before handing them over. Al-Qaeda and its regional affiliate publicly denied involvement. The case highlights how jihadist insurgency in the Sahel has fuelled a lucrative kidnapping economy alongside human smuggling and extortion.

Impact and Sahel security concerns

The releases come amid persistent instability in Niger following the 2023 coup and a widening jihadist insurgency across Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Kidnappings of Westerners and local workers have increased sharply, with several related incidents reported near the Agadem complex, Sakoira and the Kandadji Dam in early 2025. Security analysts warn that ransom payments to militant groups risk financing further violence, though authorities have not confirmed whether a ransom was paid in this case. The diplomatic breakthrough involving Libya's divided power structures also underscores the complex regional mediation landscape.

FAQ

Who were the women kidnapped in Niger?

Austrian Eva Gretzmacher, 76, and Swiss Claudia Abbt, 69, were kidnapped separately in Agadez in January and April 2025.

Where were the women held?

They were held in the Gao Region of Mali, including areas near Asongo, Ménaka and Adéramboukane.

Which group was responsible?

The Islamic State – Sahel Province claimed responsibility, though the kidnappings were likely carried out by subcontractors.

How were the women released?

They were freed in October 2026 and flown from Benghazi, Libya, to Austria and Switzerland, with mediation credited to Khalifa Haftar and his son Saddam.

Was a ransom paid?

Officials have not confirmed whether any ransom was paid.