The long-awaited return of Nigerian action film Issakaba is set to reach cinemas on Friday, November 13, 2026 – 25 years after the original was released.
Titled Issakaba: The Return, the sequel is expected to attract audiences in Ghana and across Africa, where the first film became popular beyond Nigeria.
For many Ghanaian viewers who grew up watching Nollywood films, Issakaba became known for its action scenes, depiction of vigilante justice and use of traditional mysticism. Its return is likely to revive interest in one of Nollywood’s best-known action franchises.
The film is directed and co-produced by Lancelot Imasuen, popularly known as D’Gvnor, and sees veteran actor Sam Dede reprise his role as Ebube, the fearless leader associated with the original Issakaba Boys.
The sequel was filmed in Asaba, Delta State, in early 2024. Imasuen confirmed the release date at a press screening in Lagos last weekend, after renewed attention surrounding the production followed the release of its trailer online.
The new film returns to the Issakaba Boys’ confrontation with criminal activity, while also addressing continuing concerns over crime and community security.
Inspiration behind the original
Speaking at the screening, Imasuen said the first Issakaba was inspired by the Bakassi Boys, a vigilante movement that emerged in south-eastern Nigeria during a period of concern over armed robbery and insecurity.
He said the project followed the success of his earlier film, The Last Burial, produced by the late Jude Chukwuka Emelionwu of Kas-Vid International.
“After The Last Burial was making waves, my attention was drawn to the activities of the Bakassi Boys in Aba. We called a script conference with Reginald Ebere, started discussing casting and characterisation, and that was how Issakaba was born. It was originally titled My Town,” he said.
Imasuen believes the film’s central message remains relevant, particularly its argument that local communities should play a role in protecting themselves.
“Issakaba said security is local. Let traditional rulers, local governments and communities be involved in securing their people,” he stated.
Looking back at the original film’s release in 2001, he said Nigeria’s security problems had not changed enough.
“When Issakaba was released in 2001, Nigeria was already grappling with serious crime – violent crime, communal insecurity, and the inability of the conventional security structure to respond effectively to the reality faced by ordinary people,” he said.
He described the sequel as an opportunity to assess what has happened since then.
“Twenty-five years later, I’m returning to confront a question: What has changed? Perhaps even more importantly, what has not changed? From the look of things, nothing has changed after 25 years. The question has not disappeared. In fact, it has become even more urgent,” he said.
Imasuen also cited the continuing role of vigilante groups and community-based security initiatives, alongside debate over state police and the decentralisation of Nigeria’s security architecture.
He called the period since the first film “25 years of courage, boldness, deep thinking and advocacy for a peaceful and safer society”.
The cast includes Sam Dede as Ebube, Nosa Rex, Francis Onwochei, Emeka Rising, Iyabo Ojo, Sir Alex Usifo and Chidi Mokeme, among others.
