Eva Gretzmacher, a 76-year-old Swiss national, and Claudia Abbt, a 69-year-old Austrian national, arrived in Benghazi, Libya, on 23 October 2026, following their release from captivity. Both women were kidnapped in Niger in 2025. Reflecting on the duration of her detention, Eva Gretzmacher stated, "21 mois."
Details of Extended Captivity
Eva Gretzmacher addressed the duration of her detention during a recorded video released by Al-Masar TV. She stated that her captivity in Niger lasted 21 months.
Lieutenant-General Saddam Khalifa Haftar directed the liberation efforts that secured the release of the two women. His involvement followed direct appeals from the families of Eva Gretzmacher and Claudia Abbt. Lieutenant-General Saddam Khalifa Haftar coordinated the operation that led to their transfer to Benghazi.
The arrival of Eva Gretzmacher and Claudia Abbt in Benghazi, Libya, marks the conclusion of a period of detention that began in 2025. The two women were held in Niger for the duration of this time. Following the conclusion of their captivity, the women were transported to Benghazi, Libya, to facilitate their return.
The liberation of Eva Gretzmacher and Claudia Abbt was facilitated through the intervention of Lieutenant-General Saddam Khalifa Haftar. The involvement of Lieutenant-General Saddam Khalifa Haftar was initiated following direct appeals from the families of Eva Gretzmacher and Claudia Abbt. These families requested assistance to secure the release of the two women from their kidnappers.
Upon receiving these appeals, Lieutenant-General Saddam Khalifa Haftar directed the liberation efforts. Lieutenant-General Saddam Khalifa Haftar managed the coordination required to secure the women from their location in Niger. The operation resulted in the successful transfer of Eva Gretzmacher and Claudia Abbt to Benghazi, Libya.
The duration of the captivity was confirmed by Eva Gretzmacher during a recorded video. This video was released by Al-Masar TV. In the recording, Eva Gretzmacher provided a statement regarding the time she spent in detention. Eva Gretzmacher stated that her captivity lasted 21 months.
The arrival in Benghazi, Libya, occurred on 23 October 2026. This date serves as the official point at which the two women were no longer in captivity. The involvement of Lieutenant-General Saddam Khalifa Haftar was central to the logistics of the transfer. By coordinating the movement of the individuals, Lieutenant-General Saddam Khalifa Haftar ensured the women were safely brought to Benghazi, Libya.
The appeals from the families of Eva Gretzmacher and Claudia Abbt were the primary catalyst for the actions taken by Lieutenant-General Saddam Khalifa Haftar. These families sought the intervention of Lieutenant-General Saddam Khalifa Haftar to resolve the situation involving the 2025 kidnapping in Niger. Following these requests, the liberation efforts were officially directed by Lieutenant-General Saddam Khalifa Haftar.
The statement provided by Eva Gretzmacher to Al-Masar TV confirms the specific timeframe of the ordeal. The 21 months mentioned by Eva Gretzmacher covers the period from their initial kidnapping in 2025 until their eventual release and subsequent arrival in Benghazi, Libya, on 23 October 2026. The coordination provided by Lieutenant-General Saddam Khalifa Haftar finalized the release process.
