Austrian and Swiss hostages reportedly released in Niger

Reports indicate that Eva Gretzmacher, an Austrian woman kidnapped in Niger in January 2025, and Swiss national Claudia Abbt have been released. Local media outlet Aïr-Info Agadez reported that both women were freed on Thursday, citing consistent sources.

Following these reports, a short video appeared on X featuring Claudia Abbt, who stated, “I am fine. I saw Eva Gretzmacher. She is also fine.” While the news is encouraging, the Austrian Foreign Ministry noted that the “complex and very dangerous process of release and handover is not yet positively completed.”

Gretzmacher had lived in the desert city of Agadez for nearly three decades before being abducted from her home by armed men. Abbt was kidnapped under similar circumstances in April 2025. Reports suggest the women may currently be on Libyan territory after being held in the border region between Niger and Mali.