Nollywood’s ‘Issakaba: The Return’ Opens in Theaters After 25 Years

Nollywood’s action thriller ‘Issakaba: The Return’ is now showing in cinemas throughout Nigeria, 25 years after the original film was released. Director Lancelot Imasuen announced the film’s release on his Instagram page, sharing his excitement about bringing this beloved franchise back to the big screen.

In his post, Imasuen referred to the film as the ‘return of a legend’ and encouraged fans to see it in theaters. The sequel features veteran actor Sam Dede, who reprises his role as Ebube, the leader of the Issakaba Boys. It also introduces a mix of actors from different generations of Nollywood.

The cast includes well-known names such as Chidi Mokeme, Iyabo Ojo, Regina Daniels, Chiwetalu Agu, Alex Osifo, Charles Okafor, Nosa Rex, and Mark Angel. Imasuen, who directed the original film released in 2001, continues the story of the fictional vigilante group in a modern Nigerian setting.

The original ‘Issakaba’ was inspired by the Bakassi Boys, a vigilante group that formed in southeastern Nigeria to fight crime. The sequel, distributed by Blue Pictures, brings together both returning actors and new talent, highlighting the revival of one of Nollywood’s notable action film series.