Patience Terhemba
Nollywood veteran actor Sam Dede has reprised his iconic role as Ebube in the action film sequel, Issakaba: The Return, which begins its nationwide cinema release on Friday, November 13, 2026.
The sequel marks the return of the popular Issakaba franchise, 25 years after the original film debuted in 2001, reuniting Dede with the character of the fearless leader of the Issakaba Boys.
Directed by renowned filmmaker Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, the new production revisits the world of the original story, with Ebube drawn back into action as his community confronts another wave of crime and insecurity.
The film features a blend of established Nollywood stars and younger entertainers, including Chidi Mokeme, Iyabo Ojo, Regina Daniels, Nosa Rex, Alex Osifo, Charles Okafor, Mark Angel and Phyna.
The return of the franchise has also revived memories of the original production, which was inspired by the activities of the Bakassi Boys, a vigilante group that emerged in Nigeria’s South-East in the late 1990s in response to growing concerns over armed robbery and insecurity.
While the original film gained popularity for its action-packed sequences and supernatural elements, the real-life activities of the vigilante group generated controversy over allegations of human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings.
Imasuen has attributed the decision to revive the franchise to the continued relevance of the security challenges explored in the original production, noting the enduring appeal of its central themes.
With Dede returning to his celebrated role and a fresh generation of actors joining the cast, Issakaba: The Return aims to rekindle audience interest in a franchise that became a significant part of Nigeria’s home-video entertainment history.
The film is scheduled to screen at selected Silverbird cinemas across the country, including locations in Abuja, Lagos and Kaduna.
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