'Issakaba: The Return' Set for Nationwide Cinema Release on November 13
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Two years after principal photography wrapped in Asaba, Delta State, in early 2024, the highly anticipated Nollywood action-thriller "Issakaba: The Return" will open in Nigerian cinemas on Friday, November 13, 2026.
Director and co-producer Lancelot Imasuen confirmed the date during a press screening of the sequel in Lagos last weekend.
Veteran actor Sam Dede returns as the fearless Ebube. The original "Issakaba," released in 2001, was inspired by real-life vigilante movements, and the enduring relevance of its theme prompted the decision to revisit the classic. Since the trailer was released online, moviegoers have been eagerly anticipating the sequel.
The film lives up to the buzz. It revisits the evil the Issakaba Boys fought 25 years ago, which remains very much present today, making "Issakaba: The Return" a must-watch.
Speaking at the event, Imasuen, fondly known as D'Gvnor, recalled how "Issakaba" was born out of real-life events in Aba, following the success of his earlier hit "The Last Burial," produced by the late Jude Chukwuka Emelionwu of Kas-Vid International.
"After "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 disclosed.
According to him, the film's message remains urgent: "Issakaba said security is local. Let traditional rulers, local governments and communities be involved in securing their people."
He described the last 25 years as "25 years of courage, boldness, deep thinking and advocacy for a peaceful and safer society."
Blending action, horror and traditional mysticism, the original film drew inspiration from the Bakassi Boys, a vigilante movement that emerged in southeastern Nigeria when communities were grappling with armed robbery and insecurity. Led by Ebube, the vigilante group sought justice where conventional policing failed.
Imasuen lamented that, 25 years on, the issues raised by the film remain prevalent.
"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 stressed that the reboot is not intended to be merely an action film, but a reflection of a society under pressure.
"25 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.
Across Nigeria today, we continue to witness the prominence of vigilante groups, community-based security initiatives, and calls for greater local participation in policing. The conversation around state police and the decentralization of Nigerian security architecture has also continued to grow," he said.
"Issakaba: The Return" features an ensemble cast of A-list actors, including Sam Dede as Ebube, Nosa Rex, Francis Onwochei, Emeka Rising, Iyabo Ojo, Sir Alex Usifo and Chidi Mokeme, among others.
