Twenty-five years after Issakaba became one of the defining action films of the home-video era, Lancelot Imasuen is bringing the franchise back to Nigerian cinemas with Issakaba: The Return, scheduled for a nationwide release on November 13, 2026.
Imasuen, who directed and produced the original film, announced the cinema release as the 2001 classic marks 25 years since it first introduced audiences to Sam Dede’s Ebube and the Issakaba Boys.
The sequel brings Dede back as Ebube, with the character returning to confront a different and more sophisticated form of crime and insecurity. The new film combines members of the original generation with contemporary Nollywood actors, including Chiwetalu Agu, Chidi Mokeme, Iyabo Ojo, Regina Daniels, Alex Osifo, Charles Okafor, Nosa Rex, Mark Angel and Phyna.
Production on Issakaba: The Return was completed in Asaba, Delta State, in early 2024, after which the film went into post-production ahead of its theatrical release.
The return comes as Imasuen reflects on the circumstances that produced the original Issakaba. According to the filmmaker, the story emerged after the success of The Last Burial, when he became interested in reports about the activities of the Bakassi Boys in Aba. A script conference with Reginald Ebere eventually led to the project.
The film was initially conceived under the title My Town before being renamed Issakaba, a title derived from the spelling of “Bakassi” backwards.
The 2001 film followed Ebube and a group of community vigilantes as they confronted armed criminals and other threats in their community. It mixed action with elements of horror and traditional mysticism and became particularly known for its depiction of local communities taking responsibility for their security.
For the Director,Lancelot Imasuen, the reason for returning to the story is not simply nostalgia. He has argued that several of the problems that inspired the original film remain relevant, although the nature of insecurity has changed significantly.
The filmmaker recently reflected on the original film’s message, pointing to the continued presence of kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other forms of violent crime. He also reiterated the film’s argument that security cannot be left entirely to central authorities and that traditional rulers, local governments and communities have roles to play.
The original Issakaba featured Dede alongside Chiwetalu Agu, Pete Eneh, Amaechi Muonagor, Susan Obi, Mike Ogundu, John Okafor, Andy Chukwu, Zulu Adigwe, Diewait Ikpechukwu, Remmy Ohajianya, Emeka Nwafor, Tom Njemanze, Uche Odoputa and Emeka Ani.
The sequel is being produced through a collaboration involving Lancelot Imasuen Media Network, LIAM Studios, WithinDlens and Laho Music Worldwide Studios, with Imasuen at the centre of the filmmaking team.
Its November release will place Issakaba: The Return in cinemas exactly 25 years after the original film’s 2001 debut, giving the franchise a theatrical return rather than a home-video revival.
For audiences who remember the original as one of the action titles that defined an era of Nigerian filmmaking, November 13 will mark the return of Ebube and the Issakaba story to the big screen.
