Austrian and Swiss hostages released after Niger kidnappings

Austrian citizen Eva Gretzmacher and Swiss citizen Claudia Abbt have been released following their kidnappings in Agadez, Niger. The two women, who had been long-term residents of the region, have reportedly arrived in Benghazi, eastern Libya.

Gretzmacher, 75, was abducted from her home on January 11, 2025. Abbt, 67, was kidnapped on April 13, 2025. Both women were reportedly held by the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS). While local reports indicated their release, official confirmations from the Austrian and Swiss foreign ministries noted that highly sensitive processes were underway to verify the information and finalize the release.

Reports suggest that Libyan mediation may have played a role in the negotiations, though the specific terms and details of the release have not been officially disclosed by the involved governments.