Nollywood’s iconic action movie franchise, Issakaba, is set to make a highly anticipated return on Friday, November 13, 2026, 25 years after the original film became one of Nigeria’s most recognisable action productions.
The new chapter features original star Sam Dede reprising his famous role as Ebube, while renowned filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen returns as director.
The comeback has generated interest among Nollywood fans, particularly those who grew up watching the original Issakaba movies in the early 2000s.
The new production also features a blend of established Nollywood actors and popular entertainers, including Chidi Mokeme, Iyabo Ojo, Baba Rex, Itele, Regina Daniels, Phyna and Mark Angel.
What Is Issakaba About?
Issakaba is an anagram of Bakassi and draws inspiration from the real-life Bakassi Boys, a vigilante group that emerged in southeastern Nigeria in the late 1990s.
The group became known for its involvement in efforts to combat crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping and murder.
The original Issakaba film followed a group of vigilantes led by Ebube, who were brought in to confront armed robbers terrorising their community.
However, the movie went beyond an ordinary crime-fighting storyline.
It incorporated traditional beliefs, mystical powers and supernatural elements, portraying the vigilantes as men fortified with traditional charms as they pursued their own version of justice.
The combination of action, traditional culture, crime and supernatural storytelling helped distinguish the franchise from other Nollywood productions of its era.
Issakaba Returns After 25 Years
Released in 2001, Issakaba became one of the most recognisable Nigerian action movie franchises of the early 2000s.
Its popularity extended beyond Nigeria, attracting audiences across West Africa, including Sierra Leone, where Nollywood productions enjoyed considerable television viewership.
For many viewers, the movie remains associated with the golden era of Nigerian home-video entertainment.
Now, 25 years after its original release, the franchise is returning with a new production, a fresh cast and a new generation of entertainers.
While the latest chapter introduces new faces, the return of familiar characters and creative personnel provides a connection to the original storyline.
Sam Dede Returns as Ebube
One of the major attractions of the new Issakaba production is the return of Sam Dede as Ebube, the character that helped establish his place among Nollywood’s memorable action movie stars.
Dede had earlier teased the franchise’s comeback in an Instagram post on January 27, 2024.
Announcing the return, the actor wrote:
“ISSAKABA!!! The Myth returns.”
He also shared a dramatic message associated with the character and the movie’s central theme of justice.
“A RIVER DOES NOT FLOW THROUGH A FOREST WITHOUT BRINGING DOWN TREES. Men with evil minds lurk in the dark. But… JUSTICE IS MINE.”
His return gives the new production a direct connection to the original franchise while offering younger audiences an opportunity to discover the character of Ebube.
Issakaba 2026: Meet the Full Cast
The new Issakaba brings together established Nollywood actors and entertainers from different backgrounds.
The announced cast includes:
- Sam Dede
- Chidi Mokeme
- Iyabo Ojo
- Baba Rex
- Itele
- Regina Daniels
- Phyna
- Mark Angel
The combination of veteran actors and newer entertainment personalities gives the production a different dynamic from the original movies.
While longtime fans can look forward to seeing familiar faces and elements of the original franchise, the younger cast members bring their own followings from film, television and social media.
Lancelot Imasuen Returns as Director
Another important part of the comeback is the return of filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen, who was involved in the original production.
His return as director provides continuity between the original franchise and its latest chapter.
With Sam Dede reprising his role as Ebube and Imasuen taking charge of the new production, the filmmakers are bringing back key creative connections associated with the original movie.
The challenge, however, is whether the new Issakaba can recreate the excitement and cultural impact of the original while appealing to contemporary Nollywood audiences.
Can the New Issakaba Recreate the Magic?
The return of Issakaba comes with considerable nostalgia for viewers who remember the original action franchise.
Its combination of traditional beliefs, supernatural storytelling, crime-fighting and action made it stand out during Nollywood’s early-2000s home-video era.
The new production has the opportunity to introduce the franchise to younger viewers while reconnecting older audiences with a story that became part of Nigerian film history.
With Sam Dede returning as Ebube, Lancelot Imasuen directing and a cast featuring Chidi Mokeme, Iyabo Ojo, Regina Daniels, Phyna and others, expectations are building around the comeback.
The new Issakaba is scheduled to return on November 13, 2026.
After 25 years, the myth is returning, the cast is changing, and Nollywood’s iconic action franchise is getting another chapter.
