The return of the iconic Nigerian action film Issakaba is expected to excite movie lovers in Ghana and across Africa, where the original production enjoyed considerable popularity beyond its home market.
Titled Issakaba: The Return, the sequel is scheduled to premiere in Nigerian cinemas on Friday, November 13, 2026, 25 years after the original film was released in 2001.
For many Ghanaian movie lovers who grew up watching Nollywood productions, Issakaba was more than a Nigerian blockbuster. Its action sequences, portrayal of vigilante justice and blend of traditional mysticism helped make it a memorable title among audiences across the sub-region.
News of the sequel’s release is, therefore, welcome for fans who have waited to see the story revived, with expectations already building around the return of one of Nollywood’s familiar action franchises.
Directed and co-produced by Lancelot Imasuen, popularly known as D’Gvnor, the film brings back veteran actor Sam Dede as Ebube, the fearless leader associated with the original Issakaba Boys. (Read also: (VIDEO) Shatta Wale’s fraud comments steal ShattaFest spotlight)
The sequel was shot in Asaba, Delta State, in early 2024. Its release date was announced by Imasuen during a press screening in Lagos last weekend, following renewed interest in the production after its trailer appeared online.
The new film revisits the fight against the criminal activities that confronted the Issakaba Boys in the original story, while drawing attention to the continued challenges of crime and community security.
Speaking at the screening, Imasuen recalled that the original Issakaba was inspired by the activities of the Bakassi Boys, a vigilante movement that emerged in south-eastern Nigeria amid concerns about armed robbery and insecurity.
He said the idea 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.
Beyond its action sequences, the director believes the film’s central message remains relevant.
“Issakaba said security is local. Let traditional rulers, local governments and communities be involved in securing their people,” he stated.
Reflecting on the 25 years since the original film’s release, Imasuen said the circumstances that inspired the story had not changed sufficiently.
“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 explained that the sequel was intended to do more than revive a popular action title, describing it as an opportunity to examine the country’s continuing security challenges.
“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 pointed to the continuing prominence of vigilante groups and community-based security initiatives, as well as discussions about state police and decentralising Nigeria’s security architecture.
He described the period since the original film’s release as “25 years of courage, boldness, deep thinking and advocacy for a peaceful and safer society”.
Issakaba: The Return features an ensemble cast including Sam Dede as Ebube, Nosa Rex, Francis Onwochei, Emeka Rising, Iyabo Ojo, Sir Alex Usifo and Chidi Mokeme, among others.
